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Children's National launches cutting-edge virtual reality surgical system

Transformative gift from Sidney & Phyllis Bresler will improve surgical outcomes

WASHINGTON-Children’s National Health System has acquired the latest virtual reality surgical system from Surgical Theater, a leading provider of the FDA-approved breakthrough technology for healthcare. It was made possible through a generous gift from Sidney & Phyllis Bresler, in honor of their children Alex, Jonathan and Amanda and grandson Theo Charles Bresler, and in loving memory of Joshua Stouck. 

Children’s National is the first pediatric health system in metropolitan Washington, D.C., to use this state-of-the art virtual reality surgical system. It seamlessly integrates patient-specific surgical planning and navigation, professional education and rehearsal experiences with incredible VR-empowered patient engagement capabilities using a Medical Virtual Reality platform.  

“Virtual reality modeling is the logical step beyond 3-D printing, enabling us to further explore, analyze and find the best approach for each unique surgical procedure,” said Children’s National President and CEO Kurt Newman, M.D. “This generous gift from Sidney & Phyllis Bresler should translate into better outcomes for many of the more than 17,500 patients who receive surgery at our hospital each year, and will benefit generations to come. We are deeply grateful for the Breslers’ commitment to pediatric innovation.”

“Phyllis and I understand and appreciate the important role Children’s National Medical Center plays in serving the needs of all children,” said Sidney Bresler. “It is critical that the doctors and staff responsible for the well-being of these children have access to the latest technology to ensure the highest quality of care. This is our way of thanking the extraordinary staff of Children’s National.”

Media Contact: Morgan Mckean | 301-565-8427


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