Hospital Receives Donation of
New Surgical Retractor Designed by Local Surgeon
In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Madera Community Hospital
announces the donation of two sets of surgical retractors, valued at $30,000.00,
from Invuity, Inc. (San Francisco, CA). The instrument donation, designed
in part by Stephen DeSantis, MD, FACS, is marketed internationally as
Eikon and Eikon LT for Breast Surgical Oncology. Dr. DeSantis, General
Surgeon, is a member of the Madera Medical Staff and The American Society
of Breast Surgeons.
In 2014, prior to joining Madera Medical Staff, while on call in Mission
Viejo, CA, Dr. DeSantis sketched a set of instruments designed specifically
for advanced breast surgery. Sensitive to the emotional and physical trauma
of Breast Cancer Surgery, Dr. DeSantis, along with an ice hockey friend,
designed and patented an illuminated retractor allowing surgeons to move
their incisions to hidden locations. The procedure is called, "Hidden
Scar" and the technique is being adopted worldwide for lumpectomies
and mastectomies.
In addition to hiding the scar for mastectomies, in some cases the Invuity
Retractor also allows the surgeon to spare the breast nipple. "By
performing Hidden Scar Breast Cancer Surgery, surgeons effectively treat
the cancer, preserve the natural shape of the breast and leave no visible
reminder of the procedure," Stephen DeSantis, MD.
The retractor lifts and separates the tissue and provides illumination
directly inside of the surgical cavity. "I designed the retractor,
my friend Alex Vayser designed the optical light diffuser and Doug Reimer
designed the handle," said Dr. DeSantis. "Traditional lighted
retractors deliver intense energy to the surgical site and can damage
tissue, and surgical headlights are limited and cannot illuminate within
a deep location," added Dr. DeSantis.
Outcomes from the Hidden Scar Technique are well documented in the clinical
whitepaper; "Nipple Sparing Mastectomy and the Advent of an Enabling
Surgical Illumination and Visualization system: Clinical Experience Survey
of Thought Leaders in Breast Surgery".*
The Eikon and Eikon LT along with the Hidden Scar Breast Cancer Surgery
Technique have been adopted by renowned surgeons and cancer programs throughout
the country. The gift from Invuity, Inc. provided the opportunity for
surgeons practicing in Madera, including Mohammad Arain, MD, Muhammad
Anwar, MD, Rendoll Concepcion, MD, Rame Iberdemaj, MD and Kanwal Singh,
MD to receive training on how to use the Eikon retractor. "The new
retractor allows optimal aesthetic outcomes without reducing surgical
oncology safety and efficacy," Mohammad Arain, Chief of Staff.
About Dr. DeSantis
Stephen DeSantis, MD, FACS, General Surgeon has a private practice with
Affiliated Physician Practice, 505 E. Almond Avenue, Suite 109 in Madera.
He is accepting new patients by referral only. If your club or organization
would like a presentation on Hidden Scar surgery you may schedule with
his office, 559-675-8990
About Madera Community Hospital
Our 106 bed General Acute Care hospital was founded in 1971 by a group
of citizens committed to providing quality emergency and hospital services
to Madera County residents. Today Madera Community Hospital is the County's
premier health system providing integrated care through access to primary
medical service with Rural Health Clinics in Chowchilla and Madera including
22 medical specialties. Madera Community Hospital continues to receive
awards for Labor and Delivery Care, Orthopedic Surgery and is nationally
recognized for excellent patient satisfaction and low hospital acquired
infection rates. Madera Community Hospital is accredited by the Healthcare
Facilities Accreditation Program and earned a patient safety rating, "B"
from The Leapfrog Group in April, 2017. For more information about Madera
Community Hospital visit
MaderaHospital.org.