Oaklawn acquires the da Vinci 5 surgical robot

The newly-released da Vinci 5 surgical robot is the latest addition of the surgical devices utilized at Oaklawn.

Oaklawn acquired the device in early February, and Dr. Catherine Burtrum was the first to use it.

“Oaklawn getting the new da Vinci 5 shows Oaklawn’s commitment to bring the latest technology to our community,” said Dr. Burtrum. “This allows us to offer the best surgical options to patients any time of day or night.”

Dr. Burtrum added that the  da Vinci 5 has a number of features that will benefit patients.

“Those include special instruments that allow for less pressure on tissue and a number of smaller changes that add up to more efficient surgical times,” she said. “These upgrades are in addition to the benefits we already had with our Xi systems, including decreased bleeding, small incision, better visualization and quicker time to recovery. After using the new system, the transition from the Xi to the da Vinci has been very smooth.” 

Oaklawn Director of Surgery Rachael Herrera outlined other benefits of the da Vinci 5.

“It offers improved accuracy and precision along with  next generation 3-D display and image processing,” said Herrera. “It’s the first of its kind; force-sensing technology da Vinci arms. Then there’s a meaningful workflow enhancement, expanded computing power and advanced data capability and greater surgeon comfort… The visuals that we have on this new da Vinci 5 is magnificent. You can’t get a better-quality picture right now.” 

Herrera shared Dr. Burtrum’s sentiments regarding the benefits to the patient.

“It’s called minimally invasive robot-assisted surgery, and the benefits of using this are providing this type of care can decrease length of stay, decrease postoperative pain, decrease risk for infection and decrease overall recovery time. It allows patients to basically get back to their everyday routine faster.” 

The da Vinci 5 will be used for general surgery, gynecology and urology.

Herrera said the learning curve for doctors is minimal with the new da Vinci 5.

“It’s pretty much the same,” she said. “There are some new bells and whistles on it, but they’re enjoying the enhancements…They are having a fun time with it.”

Since it first acquired the da Vinci in 2005, Oaklawn surgeons have performed nearly 5,000 procedures.

Herrera added that Oaklawn is the first facility on the west side of the state to have the da Vinci 5.