Pasco students learn about robotic surgery technology

Tampa Bay Times | By Douglas R. Clifford | November 6, 2024

Students from Mitchell High School, Marchman Technical College and Wendell Krinn Technical High School got to see the equipment up close and personal.

Students from Mitchell High School, Marchman Technical College and Wendell Krinn Technical High School in Pasco County were able to see robotic surgical technology in action at an open house at HCA Florida Trinity Hospital Wednesday.

J.W. Mitchell High School student Keira Gains, 15, with the school’s Academy of Medical Arts, uses a master controller on a da Vinci 4 robotic surgical system during a demonstration on Wednesday. The controllers allow surgeons to manipulate the robot’s multi-armed instruments with precise hand movements.

A da Vinci 4 robotic surgical system is used to manipulate a tray of material simulating human lung tissue.

Students were able to operate some of the equipment themselves at the event, and had an opportunity to learn more about lung health while doing so, according to a news release. Medical staff from HCA Florida Trinity Hospital talked about the ill effects of smoking and vaping at the open house event.

Dr. Mathew Ninan, a general surgeon with HCA Florida, uses robotics routinely in the operating room. He was among those present at the open house with high school students Wednesday.

J.W. Mitchell High School student Ella Waldner, 15, uses a pair of master controllers on a da Vinci 4 robotic surgical system.

A teaching model of the human trachea and bronchus is displayed for students on a procedure table where an Ion robotic-assisted surgical assistant machine is used to navigate a catheter to small, hard-to-access lung nodules for lung biopsy procedures.

The event was inspired by the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast teen group which is participating in “healthcare career week” to learn more about working in a hospital setting.