McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center
Introduces use of Synergy
Springfield, OR (January 7, 2008) — Mark Jewell, M.D., a Eugene plastic surgeon, became the first surgeon in the United States to use a newly developed handpiece that promotes precision during surgical procedures. On December 21, 2007, Dr. Jewell used the Synergy handpiece during a plastic surgery procedure he performed at McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center in Springfield.
The new Ethicon EndoSurgery Synergy handpiece is used with the harmonic (ultrasonic) scalpel. Dr. Jewell helped to develop the Synergy handpiece with colleagues from Cologne, Germany and Paris, France, where the device has also been used.
The Synergy handpiece increases the advantages of the harmonic scalpel during surgery because it allows for maximum precision, according to Dr. Jewell. The harmonic scalpel is an ultrasonic cutting device that can be used for both laparoscopic and open surgeries. It allows for optimal surgical dissection, reducing both blood loss and scarring, while affording a shorter recovery time to the patient.
“Use of the Synergy handpiece has enabled us to precisely dissect tissue with minimal damage from electrocautery,” said Dr. Jewell. (Electrocautery is the cutting and sealing of tissue with an instrument heated by electricity). “This device has many applications outside of plastic surgery,” Dr. Jewell added. “It was exciting to bring this technique to McKenzie-Willamette and use it for the first time, and it will be a nice fit with other advanced technologies that the hospital offers, such as the da Vinci robot.”
Dr. Jewell, a member of the medical staff at McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center, is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He serves as Assistant Clinical Professor of Plastic Surgery at OHSU, and is a past president of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic surgery (ASAPS). He performs both cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery.
For Immediate Release
January 7, 2008
Contact: Debi Farr, 541-744-6167
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