Given the major capital investment required, hospitals are understandably committed to getting as much mileage as possible out of their da Vinci robotic surgical systems. That ambition often includes finding unique ways to demonstrate the intricate capabilities of the device, which in turn can lead to unexpected outcomes, such as the viral meme inspired by an Australian facility using a da Vinci Xi to peel a grape.

CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital, located in Tyler, Texas, recently gave the public a chance to “test drive” their da Vinci surgical system while simultaneously kicking off the holiday season. Those in attendance at the community event were invited to sit down at the surgeon’s console and use the robotic arms of the da Vinci to move ornaments around on a Christmas tree.

James A. Caccitolo, MD, chief of cardiothoracic surgery at the healthcare facility, told KLTV that the event introduced people to the unique tools being used in the modern OR.

“It’s really a great opportunity for us to sort of showcase the technology to the community, and it gets kids interested in medicine and technology,” Caccitolo explained.