Local elementary school student names new da Vinci surgical robot at Houston Healthcare – Perry

WARNER ROBINS, Ga – Houston Healthcare – Perry’s newly acquired da Vinci Xi Surgical System, used for minimally invasive procedures, has a new name – Stitch.

The name comes courtesy of Edmund Lipinski, a fourth-grade student at Matt Arthur Elementary School who won Houston Healthcare – Perry’s robot naming contest. His entry was selected as the winner out of more than 200 entries.

On February 27, representatives from Houston Healthcare visited Edmund’s classroom to personally thank him for naming the new robot. They also spoke to his class about the da Vinci Surgical System and the importance of STEM education. Visitors included Charles Briscoe, FACHE, Houston Healthcare President & CEO; Todd Edenfield, RN, Houston Healthcare – Perry Vice President and Administrator; and Luke Couch, MD, robotically-trained general surgeon, Houston Surgical Associates.

Robotically-trained surgeons at Houston Healthcare – Perry will perform the first robotic surgery using “Stitch” on Thursday, March 7.

“We are thrilled to provide this high-tech surgical equipment right here in Perry, Georgia,” says

Todd Edenfield, vice president and administrator, Houston Healthcare – Perry. “We know it will be a great benefit to our patients and our community.”

The da Vinci Surgical System enhances surgical capabilities by enabling the surgeon to perform complex surgeries through tiny surgical openings. Guided by magnified, high-definition images, the surgeon controls small robotic arms that can bend and rotate in ways the human arms cannot, providing greater dexterity, control, precision, and vision for better surgical outcomes.

Houston Healthcare appreciates the Houston County School District for their partnership in facilitating the robot naming contest. Houston County elementary school students, grades third through fifth, were able to participate. The students also helped Houston Healthcare – Warner Robins name its latest da Vinci robot “Elmo” during the fall of 2023.

“These young innovators not only showcased their imaginations but also played a pivotal role in christening these leading-edge pieces of medical technology,” said Houston Healthcare President & CEO Charles Briscoe, FACHE. “It is our hope that they continue to make lasting impacts on the future of healthcare.”

For more information about surgical services at Houston Healthcare, visit hhc.org/surgery.

HHJ News