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Many of the children that W. Fred Hess, M.D. treats for scoliosis and other spinal deformities have an uneven waist, asymmetrical shoulders or a large hump. Some are in such great pain they’re barely able to walk. The intricate surgery that Dr. Hess performs can last up to 12 hours and often requires transfusions due to major blood loss. |
Many of the children that W. Fred Hess, M.D. treats for scoliosis and other spinal deformities have an uneven waist, asymmetrical shoulders or a large hump. Some are in such great pain they’re barely able to walk. The intricate surgery that Dr. Hess performs can last up to 12 hours and often requires transfusions due to major blood loss.
But when his patients go on to be football, tennis, swimming and diving champions, “it makes your day, your week, your year,” says Dr. Hess, Chief of Spine Section, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pa.
In 2008 Dr. Hess began using two new surgical devices: the HARMONIC® Combination Hook and HARMONIC SYNERGY™ Curved Blade. These latest innovations in HARMONIC® energy from Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. take this proven technology into orthopaedic and plastic surgery, new specialties for Ethicon Endo-Surgery. Another device launched in 2008, the ergonomically enhanced HARMONIC ACE® Curved Shear, has an easy-to-use handle for laparoscopic procedures.
Benefiting Surgical Experience
What’s unique about HARMONIC® technology is that it uses ultrasonic energy to simultaneously cut and coagulate tissue during surgery. The benefits over traditional scalpel and electrosurgery techniques include minimal thermal tissue damage for the patient and more precise cutting for the surgeon, as well as fewer instrument exchanges in some cases. “It seems to impact the recovery process,” says Dr. Hess. “It makes a difference in the care I can provide for my patients.”
Energy Platform Drives Growth
HARMONIC® devices have been used worldwide in more than 8 million open and laparoscopic procedures, including general, gynecological, bariatric and colorectal surgeries. Feedback from hundreds of surgeons who regularly perform these procedures continues to play an important part in developing the devices.
“The vision we have is to use HARMONIC® technology as the cornerstone of a growing energy franchise that will offer multiple benefits to surgeons and patients in any procedure,” says Hedy Hashemi, Ethicon Endo-Surgery marketing director with responsibility for the HARMONIC® line.
In 1995, there was only one HARMONIC® surgical device when Ethicon Endo-Surgery acquired the technology. Today the HARMONIC® product line has more than 50 medical devices, including seven products launched in a six month period between November 2007 and April 2008. The energy franchise gained another platform in 2008 with the acquisition of SurgRx, Inc., makers of ENSEAL® devices, which seal large vessels during surgery.
Touching Lives
Dr. Hess, a longtime user of surgical products by DePuy Spine, Inc., operates with the latest HARMONIC® devices. And his surgeries continue to touch lives.
Dr. Hess also volunteers as physician for the Danville High School Ironmen football team. One day he spotted an offensive tackle who looked familiar and realized he had operated on the teen after the boy broke his back in a car accident. Now, he was an all-state champion. Though the player was on the opposing team, Dr. Hess’ heart swelled.
“It’s wonderful to make a difference in someone’s life,” he says.
To Learn More
HARMONIC®
Essential Product Information
Ethicon-Endo Surgery, Inc.
SurgRx, Inc.
