Saddleback Memorial Named First Robotic Training Epicenter for Gynecologic Surgery in Orange County

Dr. Marc Winter to Lead Elite Teaching Program That Enables More Patients to Benefit from Minimally Invasive Surgeries

LAGUNA HILLS, Calif., Aug. 22, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Continuing its commitment to be at the forefront of advanced medical technology, Saddleback Memorial Medical Center has been chosen as the first Robotic Training Epicenter for gynecologic surgery in Orange County, Calif.

This recognition from Intuitive Surgical places Saddleback Memorial in an elite category as the only Epicenter in Orange County, as well as only one of three designated Epicenters on the West Coast and one of just 23 in the nation.

As an official Epicenter training site, Saddleback Memorial will host gynecologic surgeons from across the nation as they study specialized surgical techniques by observing robotic surgeries in the da Vinci Si surgical suite at Saddleback Memorial. 

Dr. Marc Winter, M.D., a highly regarded gynecologist and surgeon in Orange County, will lead the teaching program at the Epicenter. According to Intuitive Surgical, Dr. Winter was chosen to lead this prominent training program because of his dedication, experience, excellence in patient outcomes, and passion for teaching.

"We are extremely honored to be chosen as an Epicenter training site and to have Dr. Winter lead our robotic training program," says Steve Geidt, CEO for Saddleback Memorial. "We are committed to continually improving the health and well being of individuals, families and our communities through innovation and the pursuit of excellence, and this designation helps us move that mission forward."

The da Vinci Si Robotic Surgical System allows surgeons to use a minimally invasive approach in complex procedures with increased precision, versatility, and control. As a result, patients benefit from shorter hospital stays, faster recovery, less pain and scarring, decreased blood loss, and lower risk of infection. 

Dr. Winter describes robotic surgery as the single most important breakthrough in women's surgeries in the past decade.  "It's a huge stride for many women with endometriosis, fibroids, uterine or vaginal prolapse, or other complex gynecologic issues," says Dr. Winter. "I'm thrilled to be part of Saddleback Memorial's robotic training Epicenter because it means more women will benefit from minimally invasive robotic assisted procedures."  

For more information on Saddleback Memorial's Epicenter training program or robotic surgery program, go to memorialcare.org/epicenter.

About Saddleback Memorial Medical Center
With campuses in Laguna Hills and San Clemente, Saddleback Memorial provides exceptional medical expertise across a range of treatment areas including cancer, stroke, and cardiac care.  Innovations like robotic surgery, low dose CT, and dedicated breast MRI set us apart. In addition, The Women's Hospital at Saddleback Memorial – Laguna Hills offers special comfort and care to new mothers and their babies.  A proud member of the MemorialCare Health System and named Best Regional Hospital by U.S. News & World Report for three consecutive years, Saddleback Memorial continues to provide comprehensive care for patients at every stage of their lives.  For more information, go to memorialcare.com/Saddleback.

About MemorialCare Health System
MemorialCare Health System is a not-for profit, integrated delivery system that includes five top hospitals – Long Beach Memorial, Miller Children's Hospital Long Beach, Community Hospital Long Beach, Orange Coast Memorial, and Saddleback Memorial; three medical groups – MemorialCare Medical Group, Memorial Prompt Care, and Specialty Physicians of Long Beach; an Independent Practice Association (IPA) Greater Newport Physicians; MemorialCare HealthExpress retail clinics; and numerous outpatient health centers throughout the Southland. For more information, go to memorialcare.com.

About Intuitive Surgical
Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (Nasdaq:ISRG), headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, is the global technology leader in robotic-assisted, minimally invasive surgery. Intuitive Surgical develops, manufactures and markets robotic technologies designed to improve clinical outcomes and help patients return more quickly to active and productive lives. The Company's mission is to extend the benefits of minimally invasive surgery to the broadest possible base of patients. Intuitive Surgical - Taking surgery beyond the limits of the human hand™.

SOURCE Saddleback Memorial Medical Center