Cornell University Performs First Live Animal Robotic Gastropexy With Assistance From R2 Surgical

Ithaca, NY - R2 Surgical, a global supplier of surgical robotic systems and accessories, proudly announces its collaboration with Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Nicole Buote, Associate Professor of Small Animal Surgery, approached R2 Surgical approximately a year ago with a visionary plan to implement robotic veterinary surgery at Cornell. 

Overcoming the challenge of obtaining an affordable surgical robot, R2 Surgical provided a pre-owned da Vinci® Si-e™ robot (manufactured by Intuitive Surgical), enabling Cornell's pursuit of this groundbreaking initiative. R2 Surgical will also provide ongoing instrumentation for the pre-owned da Vinci robot.

In November 2023, Cornell achieved a milestone by performing its inaugural live animal robotic Gastropexy procedure using R2 Surgical's provided equipment. Gastropexy is a surgical procedure involving the attachment of the stomach to the abdominal wall. It is commonly performed in veterinary medicine to prevent gastric torsion in dogs, a potentially fatal condition particularly prevalent in larger breeds. This surgery helps secure the stomach in place to minimize the risk of life-threatening complications.

In partnership with a local shelter, Cornell works to deliver robotic surgical care to canines in need and also champions their adoption into caring homes post-recovery. Finley, a Great Dane, became the first beneficiary of this innovative approach, undergoing successful surgery and now on the path to a brighter future.

This collaboration between R2 Surgical and Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine marks a significant leap in integrating robotic technology to elevate animal healthcare, fostering progress in veterinary medicine, and enhancing the quality of life for animals in need.

For media inquiries and to learn more about robotic surgery in the Veterinary space, please contact: Jordan Killam, Marketing Specialist, at jordan@r2surgical.com