CUPERTINO, CA -- 10/29/09 --
St. James Hospital in Chicago Heights,
Illinois and surgical robotics company Prosurgics announce today the first
U.S. sale of a FreeHand® laparoscopic camera controller for gynecologic
surgery.
Dr. Allan Ruby conducts laparoscopic hysterectomies, oophorectomies, and
other gynecologic procedures at St. James. Normally, an operating room
technician or physician is responsible for holding the camera steady during
surgery. Now, the FreeHand laparoscopic camera controller holds the camera,
providing Dr. Ruby with direct control and a rock-steady image. St. James
joins a growing number of hospitals in Europe and the USA routinely using
this affordable robotic assistant.
FreeHand is the small, lightweight, next generation robotic device that
gives surgeons direct control of the laparoscopic camera. The surgeon wears
a 2-oz., hands-free controller on his head, and gentle head movements
direct the camera's tilt, pan, or zoom functions. Surgeons using FreeHand
enjoy improved visualization, faster surgery and direct control, and
hospitals can improve their OR efficiency.
Dr. Ruby said, "FreeHand gives me complete autonomy. I can perform cases
without having to depend on a tech to hold the camera. And, it's easier --
I just position the camera where I want it and it stays there. I can move
it accurately and at will, with great precision. FreeHand also makes it
easier for two doctors to concentrate their efforts on more challenging
cases."
Bill Perry, President of Prosurgics Inc., said, "We are proud that FreeHand
has become part of St. James' continuing success in optimizing patient care
while maximizing OR resources. FreeHand is being adopted by forward
thinking hospitals across the world, and assists hospitals by providing the
latest in advanced laparoscopic surgery technology in a very affordable
manner. FreeHand is used in numerous surgical specialties, and is used
widely in Europe. This purchase represents another positive step in our
ongoing U.S. growth."
About Prosurgics
Prosurgics is dedicated to pioneering a new generation of innovative but
affordable surgical robots. Its range of robotic solutions helps improve
patient outcomes and healthcare economics in hospitals around the world.
The company's technology portfolio encompasses image guided and
tele-manipulator systems, surgical planning and intra-operative navigation.
With offices in the UK (Bracknell), USA (Cupertino, CA) and Germany and a
global network of expert distributors, Prosurgics delivers innovative and
effective solutions for today's surgeons and hospitals around the world.
www.freehandsurgeon.com
enquire@prosurgics.com
For further information about FreeHand please contact:
Bill Perry
President
Prosurgics, Inc.
1-408-207-0600
Email Contact
Colin Robertson
Global Marketing Director
+44 (0)1344 742895
Email Contact