CASE STUDY: Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine

Client: Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
Industry: Veterinary Medicine
Solution: Pre-owned da Vinci® Si-e™ Robotic Surgical System

Background

Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine is a leader in veterinary education, research, and clinical service. Faced with the challenge of incorporating advanced robotic surgery technology due to high costs, the college sought an affordable solution to enhance surgical precision and improve outcomes for animal patients.

Challenge

Dr. Nicole Buote, Associate Professor of Small Animal Surgery, aimed to integrate robotic surgery to advance treatment possibilities and educational opportunities for students but needed a cost-effective approach to bring this vision to life.

Solution

R2 Surgical, a global supplier of pre-owned surgical robots and accessories, provided a viable solution by supplying a pre-owned da Vinci® Si-e™ robot. This system is known for its precision and efficiency in human medicine, and its adaptation to veterinary medicine could potentially transform the field. R2 Surgical also ensured ongoing support by providing the necessary instrumentation and training for the robotic system.

Implementation

The partnership kicked off with the lease of the robotic system in 2023. R2 Surgical facilitated the installation and operational setup of the da Vinci® Si-e™ robot at Cornell's veterinary facilities. The first procedure on a live animal conducted using this system was a Gastropexy on Finley, a Great Dane at risk of gastric torsion. The procedure was a success, establishing confidence in the use of robotic systems for similar future interventions.

Results

The introduction of the da Vinci® Si-e™ robot at Cornell resulted in several significant outcomes:

• Successful Implementation of Robotic Surgery: The first live animal robotic Gastropexy was performed in November 2023, showcasing the robot’s potential in veterinary surgery.
• Enhanced Surgical Precision: The robotic system provided unparalleled precision, reducing the risk of complications and improving surgical outcomes. The animal patients recovered quickly and were in less pain during this process.
• Educational Advancements: The system has become a cornerstone for teaching veterinary students advanced surgical techniques at Cornell, preparing them for future innovations in animal healthcare. Not to mention, facilitating an environment where students can refine their skills as they learn robotic surgery.
• Animal Welfare Contributions: In collaboration with a local shelter, Cornell not only treated Finley but also facilitated his adoption post-recovery, highlighting the dual benefits of animal care and community service.

Conclusion

The strategic partnership between R2 Surgical and Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine exemplifies how innovative solutions can overcome cost barriers and expand technological frontiers in veterinary medicine. This case study demonstrates the potential of repurposed advanced technology to significantly impact veterinary surgical practices and education, setting a precedent for future advancements in the field.

About R2 Surgical

R2 Surgical is a leading provider of pre-owned surgical robots, instruments, endoscopes, parts, accessories, and disposables. With a commitment to enhancing healthcare through affordable solutions, R2 Surgical empowers medical and veterinary professionals worldwide to achieve excellence in surgical outcomes.