The Medical Center at Bowling Green is first in the area to deploy next-generation surgical robot
A surgical team at The Medical Center at Bowling Green recently became the first in the Southcentral Kentucky area to use a groundbreaking new surgical robot, the da Vinci 5 system.
Amber Chambers, M.D., a general surgeon with Med Center Health in partnership with Graves Gilbert Clinic, performed the first procedure in December using the da Vinci 5 system, and will continue to utilize the new surgical robot.
The da Vinci 5 succeeds the da Vinci Xi, which has been in wide use at Med Center Health and health systems around the world since its debut in 2014. It has been used in more than 7 million procedures to date, according to manufacturer Intuitive. The da Vinci Xi has been used to perform more than 6,000 procedures at the Medical Center at Bowling Green.
“This new technology gives surgeons improved visualization intraoperatively, and it provides surgeons with more precision while handling delicate tissues,” said Dr. Chambers. “The new da Vinci 5 system allows for better patient outcomes, including less pain for patients and shorter recovery times.”
Among the new features:
- New controllers for the surgeon make the procedure smoother and more precise.
- An improved 3D imaging system gives surgeons a better view and supports future technology.
- 10,000 times the computing power of the previous model
- Connectivity with other technology in the OR that may streamline procedures and save time for surgical teams.
Robotic surgery is minimally invasive, and has a track record indicating improved outcomes and better patient experience in certain procedures compared to traditional open surgeries or minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures.
“We are excited to bring this technology to the people of Southcentral Kentucky,” said Dr. Chambers. “This technology is still surgeon guided. Robots are not performing the surgery, just allowing our surgeons to see better and handle tissue more precisely. This technology will allow for us to better treat the patients in our area, and for that, I am so excited to have this new surgery system.”