Oswego Health Introduces “Laser Eyes James” – The Newly Named da Vinci Robot That’s Taking Surgery to the Next Level

(Oswego, NY – December 9, 2024) Here at Oswego Health, we’re always looking for ways to improve healthcare for our community. That includes keeping things fun and engaging—even when it comes to the latest technology. So, when we brought the da Vinci® Xi™ Surgical System to Oswego Health, we wanted to give it a name that reflected its incredible capabilities and our team’s creative spirit.

Thanks to a fun and imaginative contest among the children of Oswego Health employees, we have the perfect name: Laser Eyes James!

Annalise Smart, an 11-year-old student at Fitzhugh Elementary School and daughter of Oswego Health staff member Tina Smart, came up with the name. Inspired by the robot’s intricate arms, which she thought looked like “laser eyes,” our surgical team chose her entry from over 30 creative submissions.

“I was so excited when I heard my name was picked!” said Annalise. “I love art, and my teacher, Mr. Heater, always encourages me to be creative. When I saw the da Vinci robot, I thought ‘Laser Eyes James’ would be perfect because it seemed like the robot could have laser eyes!”

A Leap Forward in Robotic Surgery

Laser Eyes James isn’t just a fun name; it’s part of an advanced robotic surgery system that’s already making a difference at Oswego Health. In fact, on July 9 of this year, our first robotically-assisted surgery was performed using the da Vinci Xi System. Designed to take minimally invasive surgery to the next level, this system allows our skilled surgeons to perform complex procedures with greater precision and control.

Whether it’s for bariatric surgery, general surgery, or urology, the da Vinci Xi System helps Oswego Health’s surgical team perform a variety of procedures through small incisions, meaning less pain, quicker recovery, and a lower risk of complications for patients. The system’s advanced features, including wristed instruments, 3D-HD visualization, and intuitive motion, give our surgeons an enhanced view and range of movement, making even the most intricate surgeries more efficient and effective.

A Robot That’s All About Precision

Laser Eyes James—the da Vinci Xi Surgical System—provides a powerful combination of cutting-edge technology and hands-on expertise. The system's 3D-HD vision immerses surgeons in the surgery like never before, while its compact design and flexible arms allow access to hard-to-reach areas with precision. Our expert surgeons control every movement of the robotic arms, ensuring that every surgery is performed with the utmost care.

Key features of the da Vinci Xi System include:

• New overhead instrument arm architecture for optimal anatomical access
• Advanced digital endoscope for clearer and more compact vision
• Flexible instrument design that allows for a broader range of motion and better reach

“We are thrilled to have Laser Eyes James as part of our surgical team,” said robotically trained general surgeon, Dr. Ryan Walker. “The da Vinci Xi System enhances our ability to perform surgeries with precision, while also improving patient outcomes. And with a name like Laser Eyes James, we’ve added a little fun to the process, too!”

A Community Effort

The naming contest for Laser Eyes James is just one example of the community spirit that Oswego Health fosters. By engaging the children of our staff, we’ve made a cutting-edge surgical system feel more personal – and it’s a reminder that healthcare can be both high-tech and heartwarming.

“We’re incredibly proud of the creativity and enthusiasm shown by the children of Oswego Health employees,” said Director of Surgical Services, Brandi Kerling, BSN, RN, CNOR. “It’s exciting to see how our youngest community members are helping us celebrate advancements in healthcare in such a fun and meaningful way.”

As we continue to embrace technological advances to improve patient care, we’re also committed to making our community feel connected and involved in the process. The addition of Laser Eyes James is just the beginning of a new era in surgery at Oswego Health, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our patients.

For more information on robotic-assisted surgery and the da Vinci system at Oswego Health, visit https://www.oswegohealth.org/services/robotic-assisted-surgery-with-da-vinci-systems/.

{Photo caption: Oswego Health’s surgical team gathers around newly named Laser Eyes James, thanks to 11-year-old, Annalise Smart}

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About Oswego Health:  
The mission of Oswego Health is to provide accessible, quality care and improve the health of residents throughout Oswego County. As a nonprofit healthcare system established in 1881, Oswego Health is proud to be Oswego County’s largest private employer. More than 1,300 employees spread throughout its 18 locations, work for the Oswego Health system, which includes the 132-bed community Oswego Hospital, a 32-bed psychiatric acute-care facility with multiple outpatient behavioral health service locations, The Manor at Seneca Hill, a 120-bed skilled nursing facility, and Springside at Seneca Hill, an independent retirement community.  The health system also operates Oswego Health Home Care, the only hospital-based certified home healthcare agency in the County, as well as two outpatient centers, including the Fulton Medical Center, offering urgent care, lab, medical imaging, physical therapy, and occupational health services, and the Central Square Medical Center, offering urgent care, lab, medical imaging, and physical therapy services. In addition, the healthcare system includes Oswego Health Medical Practice, a multi-specialty medical group offering the community accessible, high-quality healthcare. 100+ physicians and advanced practice providers offer an extensive array of services across CNY, including primary care and specialty care in the areas of orthopedics, cardiology, ENT, gastroenterology, breast care, general surgery, urology, and bariatrics. For more information about Oswego Health visit www.oswegohealth.org.