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UPMC Physician Journal: Episode 103

In this episode, we highlight the impact of Dr. Amer Zureikat and the robotic Whipple procedure he helped pioneer, Dr. Brad Dicianno’s innovative approach to assistive technology, and Dr. Edith Tzeng’s collaboration with Pitt’s Swanson School of Engineering to develop synthetic blood vessels.

Watch Full Episode (41:20)


Watch Chapters

Chapter 1: Mastering the Robotic Whipple Procedure (8:47)

With 120 Whipple procedures each year, about 70% done robotically, UPMC has the highest-volume robotic pancreatic surgery program in the country. Join Amer Zureikat, MD, to understand what it takes to master this highly complex and demanding operation.

Chapter 2. Developing Assistive Devices to Enhance Independence (8:14)

The Mobility Enhancement Robotic Wheelchair (MEBot) was developed by researchers at the Human Engineering Research Laboratories at Pitt. Brad Dicianno, MD, explains how the team works to enhance independence for people with disabilities.

Chapter 3. Improving Synthetic Vascular Grafts (7:54)

Edith Tzeng, MD, leads a team of UPMC vascular surgeons and engineers from the Pitt Swanson School of Engineering who are making remarkable advances in creating better synthetic vascular grafts that are suitable for smaller blood vessels.

Chapter 4. Q & A with Donald Yealy, MD, and Derek Angus, MD (12:17)

Join UPMC leaders as they answer your most pressing questions about UPMC and our commitment to life-changing medicine.