Saint Joseph Hospital and Saint Joseph East in Lexington have introduced the da Vinci 5 surgical robot, becoming the first hospitals in the city to offer this advanced technology for minimally invasive surgery. The new system is designed to improve surgeon precision and enhance patient outcomes.
“As CommonSpirit continues to make investments in Kentucky, we are thrilled to be the first in Lexington to offer this latest technology in minimally invasive surgery,” said Matt Grimshaw, MBA, president, Saint Joseph Health / CommonSpirit Kentucky. “While our surgeons have been using robotic-assisted surgery for some time, the advanced capabilities offered by the DV5 is a game changer for our surgeons and our patients.”
The da Vinci 5 system includes over 150 enhancements aimed at supporting both surgeon autonomy and care team efficiency. According to Intuitive, the manufacturer of da Vinci robots, it is their most advanced platform so far.
This latest model features a next-generation 3D display and improved image processing that allow surgeons greater visibility during procedures. New controllers are intended to provide smoother and more precise movements. Additional updates streamline workflow through an optimized user interface.
“The DV5 will elevate the entire OR,” said David Swedler, DO, director of bariatric surgery at Saint Joseph East. “The newest tech updates, which are upgrading an already excellent robotic machine in the previous version, give the surgeon even more feedback at the console. Better visualization, haptic feedback and several new software updates ensure we are delivering the best possible surgery for our patients in 2025.”
Rebecca Douglass, DO, a general surgeon at Saint Joseph Hospital added: “The da Vinci 5 robotic system represents a major leap forward in minimally invasive surgery. Having performed robotic procedures for more than nine years using the da Vinci Si, X and Xi systems, I can say the DV5 offers truly transformative advancements for both surgeons and patients,” she said. “The system is designed to enhance a surgeon’s senses, combining touch, vision and data to enable even greater precision and control in the operating room. I’m proud to work at an institution that invests in leading-edge technology like the da Vinci 5 to help us provide the best possible care for our patients.”
Saint Joseph Health operates as part of CommonSpirit Health with locations across Kentucky serving patients from multiple counties through its network of hospitals and clinics. Saint Joseph Hospital has served central and eastern Kentucky since its founding in 1877 by providing tertiary medical care as well as continuing its mission of compassionate service started by its founders. Saint Joseph East was established in 1983 as a full-service community hospital offering emergency care alongside other services.
For more information about robotic surgery at Saint Joseph Health visit commonspirit.org/saintjosephhealth.
