In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Madera Community Hospital announced the donation of two sets of surgical retractors, valued at $30 million, from Invuity, Inc. in San Francisco.

The instrument donation, designed in part by Dr. Stephen DeSantis, is marketed internationally as Eikon and Eikon LT for Breast Surgical Oncology. Dr. DeSantis, general surgeon, is a member of the Madera Medical Staff and the American Society of Breast Surgeons.

In 2014, prior to joining Madera Medical Staff, while on-call in Mission Viejo, Dr. DeSantis sketched a set of instruments designed specifically for advanced breast surgery. Sensitive to the emotional and physical trauma of breast cancer surgery, Dr. DeSantis, along with an ice hockey friend, designed and patented an illuminated retractor allowing surgeons to move their incisions to hidden locations. The procedure, know as “hidden scar,” is being adopted worldwide for lumpectomies and mastectomies.

In addition to hiding the scar for mastectomies, in some cases the Invuity retractor also allows the surgeon to spare the breast nipple.

“By performing hidden scar breast cancer surgery, surgeons effectively treat the cancer, preserve the natural shape of the breast and leave no visible reminder of the procedure,” Dr. DeSantis said.

The retractor lifts and separates the tissue and provides illumination directly inside of the surgical cavity.

“I designed the retractor, my friend Alex Kayser designed the optical light diffuser and Doug Reimer designed the handle,” Dr. DeSantis said. “Traditional lighted retractors deliver intense energy to the surgical site and can damage tissue, and surgical headlights are limited and cannot illuminate within a deep location.”