In November 2023, Ed Feiteira of Stoughton was diagnosed with kidney stones, a condition that he was all too familiar with. His father had dealt with the same issue back in the 80s, so Feiteira knew firsthand the challenges that came with it. The stone he was dealing with was particularly large – a massive 22 millimeters – making it an even more significant challenge to remove.
Feiteira’s case caught the attention of UW Health, which happened to be conducting clinical trials on a new robotic device called the MONARCH platform for treating kidney stones. This device allows urologists to guide the scope and catheter using a robotically assisted device, enabling more precise movements, potentially reducing radiation exposure, and minimizing the number of needle sticks required during the procedure.
Dr. Margaret Knoedler, an endourologist at UW Health, explained that this technology has several benefits for both patients and healthcare providers. It can increase efficiency by allowing doctors to perform procedures more quickly and accurately while also improving stone-free rates and simplifying procedures for endourologists. Feiteira was eager to participate in the experimental clinical trial as he had never undergone surgery before but felt confident in giving it a try.
After successfully undergoing the procedure with the MONARCH platform, Feiteira left the hospital in good spirits just a day later. Dr. Knoedler highlighted the significance of this new technology and how clinical trials are essential for advancing medical treatments. The team is aiming to recruit 20 individuals for the trial to continue pushing boundaries in robotic surgeries in urology.
Feiteira’s decision to participate in clinical trials demonstrates how patients can play a crucial role in driving progress in medicine by exploring new technologies and methods like MONARCH platform that benefit current and future patients facing similar health challenges.
In conclusion, Ed Feiteira’s experience highlights how technology can revolutionize healthcare through innovative treatments like MONARCH platform and how patient participation is critical for driving progress in medicine through clinical trials.
