Ed Feiteira of Stoughton recently faced a familiar challenge – kidney stones. Having a family history of the condition, Feiteira was not surprised when he was diagnosed with a 22-millimeter stone in November 2023. Recalling his father’s experience with kidney stones in the 80s, Feiteira knew he needed immediate treatment.
Fortunately, UW Health was conducting clinical trials with a robotic device called the MONARCH platform, specifically designed to treat kidney stones. This device allows for a more precise and efficient procedure, reducing radiation exposure and minimizing discomfort for the patient. Dr. Margaret Knoedler, a UW Health Endourologist, explained that the robot assists the urologist in navigating the procedure, making it easier for them to remove large stones successfully.
Feiteira became one of only 14 patients worldwide to undergo this clinical trial. Despite never having had surgery before, he was open to trying this experimental approach to treatment. He emphasized the importance of exploring new technologies in the medical field to improve patient outcomes and overall efficiency.
After the successful surgery, Feiteira left the hospital feeling optimistic about the future of robotic procedures for kidney stone treatment. Dr. Knoedler expressed her excitement about the potential of the MONARCH platform to revolutionize kidney stone treatment and advance medical knowledge through clinical trials. She highlighted how recruiting more participants for this trial can help further evaluate its effectiveness and ensure its safety for widespread use in healthcare settings.
If you are interested in learning more about this innovative treatment or considering participating in clinical trials to contribute to medical progress and help shape the future of healthcare, visit UW Health’s website today for additional information on their ongoing research initiatives.
In conclusion, Ed Feiteira’s experience with UW Health’s MONARCH platform highlights how embracing new technologies can drive innovation and improve patient care through clinical trials involving robotic devices like this one designed specifically for treating kidney stones
