Advancing Robotic Surgery: University Hospitals Implements Da Vinci 5

University Hospitals (UH) has become the first health system in Northeast Ohio to implement the Da Vinci 5 (DV5) surgical robot, an advanced platform designed to elevate the capabilities of robotic-assisted surgery. Launched in November with successful initial procedures, the DV5 builds on a decade of innovation and insights gathered from over 14 million procedures performed with earlier da Vinci models. The technology introduces new features aimed at improving precision, efficiency, and the overall surgical experience.

Technological Advancements in the Da Vinci 5

The DV5 incorporates several key upgrades over its predecessors, including telepresence technology, which allows real-time live-streaming of surgical procedures for education and collaboration. Its compact design enables its use in operating rooms of various sizes, including those not initially designed for robotic systems. The robot also provides enhanced controls, featuring improved visualization and haptic feedback—technologies that simulate the sense of touch—allowing for greater precision in minimally invasive procedures. The redesigned surgeon console includes customizable ergonomics to accommodate a wide range of body types, offering improved comfort during longer surgeries.

In addition to its benefits for surgeons, the DV5 simplifies workflows for the broader care team. Its integrated tower consolidates multiple functions, such as laparoscopic equipment and insufflation—used to expand the operative space during procedures—into a single unit. This setup reduces the need for additional equipment in the operating room, enhancing efficiency and minimizing movement, particularly for circulating nurses. The console easily allows both surgeons and nurses to adjust settings during procedures, improving the overall experience for the care team.

A New Era for Surgery at University Hospitals

Thoracic surgeon Dr. Christopher Towe, who performed the first procedure with the DV5, noted that the adoption of the system is aligned with UH’s broader mission.

“This aligns seamlessly with our mission to heal, to teach, and to discover, reinforcing our dedication to providing the highest-quality care for our patients while staying at the forefront of medical innovation,” Dr. Towe said, “By integrating systems like the DV5, we are ensuring that UH remains a leader in both patient outcomes and surgical education.”

The DV5 has already been used successfully at UH for a hiatal hernia repair and a resection of a mass in the thymus gland, with both patients discharged the following day thanks to the minimally invasive approach.