Desert Regional Medical Center first in Riverside County to install new generation surgical robot

$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

Desert Regional Medical Center on Wednesday installed one of the newest generations of surgical robots – 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.

“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.”

The new robot has more than 150 design innovations, according to Intuitive, 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 stay1,” 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.”