Virtua Health is making waves in robotic-assisted surgery. They are the first in the Eastern United States and the second in the entire country to widely adopt the da Vinci 5 system across all suitable operating rooms. This new technology, developed by Intuitive, represents the cutting edge of surgical innovation.

Located in Marlton, Virtua has 19 robotic-surgery operating rooms that already use da Vinci technology across five hospitals. The transition to the da Vinci 5 system is expected to be completed by early June.
John Matsinger, DO, MBA, the executive vice president and COO of Virtua, stated, “This milestone shows our commitment to improving minimally invasive surgery and ensuring excellent outcomes for our community.” He emphasized the health system’s dedication to investing in advanced tools for the benefit of patients.
Working closely with Intuitive, Virtua has crafted a robotics program that meets high standards. They are among the first 100 health systems to implement the da Vinci 5, which will soon be available in all relevant operating rooms.
Robotic-assisted surgery offers several advantages, like smaller incisions and greater accuracy. This often translates to quicker recovery times, less pain post-surgery, and fewer complications. The da Vinci system specializes in various soft-tissue surgeries, including hernia repairs and bariatric procedures.
The da Vinci 5 system boasts over 150 enhancements compared to its predecessor, including improved precision, better visibility, and innovative force-sensing technology that minimizes tissue trauma. Craig Zaretsky, M.D., chair of Virtua’s Department of Surgery, noted, “As technology evolves, our standardization will allow us to access updates seamlessly.”
Virtua’s commitment doesn’t stop at surgery. They are also broadening training opportunities for surgical residents, introducing more access to virtual reality simulators. These tools let trainees practice in a safe environment, sharpening their skills.
Since 2006, Virtua has performed over 43,000 robotic-assisted surgeries, establishing itself as a national leader in this field. In addition to the da Vinci system, they utilize specialized robotic platforms for procedures like hip and knee replacements.
According to a recent study from The American Journal of Surgery, robotic-assisted surgeries have seen a surge in popularity, as they can lead to lower hospital stays and faster returns to daily activities. This aligns with Virtua’s goals, as they focus on enhancing patient care through innovative technologies.
As robotic technology continues to develop, Virtua remains at the forefront, ready to adopt new advancements for the benefit of their patients. This evolution signals a promising future for minimally invasive surgery.