Valley Hospital in Paramus Acquires Latest da Vinci 5 Robotic Surgery System

The Valley Hospital in Paramus has acquired the da Vinci 5 Surgical System, adding the newest generation of robotic surgical technology to its medical capabilities, according to hospital officials.

The da Vinci 5 system, manufactured by Intuitive Surgical, can be used across multiple minimally invasive surgical procedures in gynecology, urology and bariatrics, with additional applications in cardiothoracic, colorectal and general surgery, according to the hospital. The new system features more than 150 enhancements focused on accuracy, precision and improved surgical outcomes.

Valley Hospital has a long history with robotic surgery technology. In 2001, Valley was among the first hospitals in the country to adopt the first da Vinci Surgical System for minimally invasive surgeries, according to hospital records.

The hospital joins other local medical facilities using the da Vinci 5 program, including Bergen New Bridge Medical Center and Hackensack University Medical Center. Additional area hospitals have acquired various versions of the da Vinci Surgical System, including Englewood Health, Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center, Virtua Health, Jefferson Health and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Rahway.

“We are proud to have added the da Vinci 5 to Valley’s robust robotic surgery program,” said Dr. Edward Yatco, medical director of robotic and minimally invasive surgery, director of bariatric surgery and co-chair of Valley’s Robotics Committee. “This leading-edge technology helps our surgical patients experience fewer complications, less post-operative pain and shorter recovery times.”

The da Vinci 5 operates like other surgical robotic systems, with a surgeon seated at a console near the patient in the operating room. Using the console’s viewing monitor and manual controls, the surgeon performs procedures by manually directing the system’s robotic arms, according to hospital officials. The surgeon and surgical team always remain with the patient in the operating room, just as with traditional laparoscopy.

The new system includes advanced training capabilities that allow surgeons to practice in highly realistic virtual simulations before operating on patients, according to Dr. Howard Jones, director of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery and co-chair of Valley’s Robotics Committee. The system also provides insights during and after surgery to support continuous learning and improvement.

“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,” Jones said.

Among the system’s notable features is what Intuitive Surgical calls “Force Feedback” technology, which enables surgeons to feel the pressure they exert on tissue during a procedure through their manual controls, according to the manufacturer. This technology allows surgeons to adjust their use of surgical instruments during surgery to provide a lighter touch when applicable, reducing trauma to tissue without compromising clinical objectives.

The acquisition represents Valley Hospital’s continued investment in advanced medical technology for the Paramus community and surrounding areas. The hospital’s early adoption of robotic surgery technology in 2001 positioned it as a regional leader in minimally invasive surgical procedures.

With the addition of the da Vinci 5 system, Valley Hospital patients now have access to the most current robotic surgical technology available, potentially benefiting from the enhanced precision and improved outcomes the advanced system offers across multiple surgical specialties.