University Hospitals (UH) Cleveland Medical Center has become the first health system in Northeast Ohio to adopt the Da Vinci 5 (DV5) Surgical Robot for robotic-assisted surgeries. This advanced system introduces enhancements designed to improve surgical precision, patient outcomes, and operational efficiency. Twenty-six surgeons at UH Cleveland Medical Center are trained to perform a range of procedures using the DV5, including esophagectomies and gastric bypasses.
The DV5 was first utilized at UH in November by Dr. Christopher Towe, a thoracic surgeon and the Charles A. Hubay, MD, Chair in Surgery, during a hiatal hernia repair. The second procedure involved the resection of a thymus gland mass. Both minimally invasive surgeries were successful, with patients discharged within a day.
Dr. Towe emphasized that the acquisition of the DV5 aligns with UH’s mission to provide high-quality patient care while advancing surgical education and innovation. He described the adoption of the technology as part of UH’s strategic focus on integrating robotics into surgical practices.
The DV5 represents the culmination of over a decade of research and insights derived from more than 14 million procedures performed with earlier models. University Hospitals currently operates six Da Vinci robots at its Cleveland Medical Center and eight additional systems across its network, with plans to expand further.
Key features of the DV5 include telepresence capabilities for real-time surgical collaboration, a more compact design for improved adaptability in various operating rooms, enhanced visualization and haptic feedback for greater surgical precision, and ergonomic improvements to accommodate surgeons during lengthy procedures. The compact tower design also integrates multiple laparoscopic functions, improving room efficiency and reducing the physical demands on circulating nurses.
Larisa Rebello, RN, BSN, the Robot Coordinator at UH Cleveland Medical Center, noted that the system’s advanced features streamline workflow and enhance the surgical environment for both surgeons and supporting staff. UH’s introduction of the DV5 underscores its commitment to adopting innovative technologies to enhance healthcare delivery in Northeast Ohio.
Photo credit University Hospitals
