Desert Regional Installs New Generation Surgical Robot  

Desert Regional Medical Center First in Riverside County to Install New Generation Surgical Robot

PALM SPRINGS — 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 $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

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 Dr. William Brien, 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.”

About Desert Care Network

Desert Care Network represents three hospitals and related outpatient services – Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, JFK Memorial Hospital in Indio and Hi-Desert Medical Center in Joshua Tree – providing life-saving care to our communities in the Southern California desert. Our network includes three trauma centers, a stroke network anchored by the region’s only Comprehensive Stroke Center and our region’s highest level intensive care unit for newborns. We also are home to the Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Advanced Wound Healing Center and the Center for Weight Management. Find out more at http://www.DesertCareNetwork.com.

 

[Photo caption: Desert Regional Medical Center staff celebrate the arrival and installation of the Da Vinci 5 surgical robot on Wednesday Sept. 18. Desert Regional is the first hospital in Riverside County and only the eighth in Southern California to install this latest generation Da Vinci device.]