Prosurgics sells FreeHand laparoscopic camera controller to St. James Hospital in Chicago Heights

Oct 29 2009

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."