LAPAROSCOPIC ADJUSTIBLE GASTRIC BANDS: The LAP-BAND® was pioneered in the United States by INAMED in 1995. Dr. Merriman was the first surgeon in the Ark-La-Tex to utilize the band beginning in Fall 2003 and has now successfully implanted over 1000 LAP-BANDS®. After evaluating results of his first 50 cases Dr. Merriman reported, “The results have surpassed my expectations with many patients ahead of projected weight-loss any all experiencing few or no complications.” This procedure is often preferred by patients because it requires less hospitalization, provides a quicker return to work, and documents fewer complications than other Bariatric Surgical approaches. In 2007, Allergan introduced the improved AP LAP-BAND® which is now offered to Dr. Merriman's patients.
The REALIZE Band® was developed by Ethicon and made available this Spring. As of June 01, 2008, Dr. Merriman offers his patients the choice of the REALIZE Band® or the AP LAP-BAND® for their procedure.
THE DAVINCI ROBOT: Dr. Merriman is the first Bariatric Surgeon in the Ark-La-Tex to be trained to utilize the Da Vinci Robot in performing laparoscopic surgeries. The Robot is the latest advance in laparoscopic operating room technology. This enhancement was an outgrowth of research for the NASA Space Program to be utilized when healthcare emergencies arise during space travel that requires surgical expertise not available on the flight.
AESOP/HERMES: AESOP (Automated Endoscopic System for Optical Positioning). Surgical Specialists has used this technology for several years to assist in their advanced laparoscopic surgical procedures. AESOP/HERMES is one of many new surgical robots that have been developed to aid the advanced laparoscopic surgeon. It enhances their precision and accuracy during laparoscopic procedures and is constantly under voice control. It is one example of how Surgical Specialists remains on the frontier of advancements in surgery. As in any other process to which they have been applied, robots have the advantage of eliminating certain components of human error, and do not get tired or hungry, or complain about working too hard.
|
