The Valley Hospital has acquired the da Vinci 5 Surgical System, a robotic platform used for minimally invasive procedures.
Among its features is what manufacturer Intuitive Surgical calls “Force Feedback” technology, which allows surgeons to sense the amount of pressure applied to tissue through the system’s hand controls. The feedback is designed to help surgeons adjust instrument pressure during procedures and potentially reduce unnecessary tissue strain.
The da Vinci 5 can be used in gynecology, urology and bariatric procedures, with additional applications in cardiothoracic, colorectal and general surgery. According to the company, the system includes more than 150 updates focused on precision and surgical control.
Valley’s Howard Jones said the system also includes a virtual simulation component for training and performance review.
“The new system allows surgeons to train in highly realistic virtual simulations before operating on patients and provides helpful insights during and after surgery to support continuous learning and improvement,” he said.
Robotic-assisted surgery is associated with less postoperative pain, reduced blood loss, smaller incisions and shorter recovery times compared with traditional open surgery, though outcomes vary depending on the procedure and patient.
Like other robotic surgical systems, the da Vinci 5 is operated by a surgeon seated at a console in the operating room. Using hand controls and a viewing monitor, the surgeon directs robotic arms equipped with surgical instruments while the surgical team remains at the patient’s side.
