Desert Regional Medical Center installed one of the newest generations of surgical robots this week, putting advanced technology for minimally invasive care into the hands of local surgeons.
The Da Vinci 5 robot is the latest from the company Intuitive Surgical, which released the model just this year. Desert Regional’s Da Vinci 5 will be the first in Riverside County and one of only eight to date in Southern California. The $2.9 million investment brings force-feedback and 3D imaging technology into the hands of local surgeons who care for patients in several specialties – including urology, gynecology, bariatric and general surgery.
“We’re excited to bring this brand-new technology to our desert communities,” said William Brien, MD, Chief Medical Officer for Desert Care Network hospitals. “Desert Regional has been providing minimally invasive robotic surgery for many years, but the Da Vinci 5 takes the experience to the next level for our surgeons and our general surgery residents – which ultimately benefits our patients right here in the Coachella Valley.”
According to Intuitive, the new robot has more than 150 design innovations, including force feedback technology, which allows the surgeon to “feel” inside the body in a way that was not possible with prior models. The advancements also include higher-resolution 3D images, better ergonomics, and more real-time data during the surgery.
“Minimally invasive procedures have really transformed surgery in the United States, reducing postoperative pain, complications, and length of the hospital stay,” Dr. Brien said. “We are proud to be able to stay ahead with the latest innovations — and bring those advances to our patients right here at home.”
