The Lexington VA Health Care System's Cutting-Edge Surgical Robotics
Enhancing Patient Care and Surgical Training with the daVinci DV5
In an ongoing commitment to provide the highest standard of care for Veterans, the Lexington VA Health Care System continues to invest in advanced medical technologies. The latest step in this journey is the installation of the daVinci DV5 robotic surgical system, representing a significant upgrade in minimally invasive surgery. First introduced in December 2025, this state-of-the-art robot promises improved surgical outcomes, greater efficiency, and enhanced training opportunities for future surgeons.
The Lexington VA Health Care System has utilized robotic surgery for over a decade, but the recent upgrade to the daVinci DV5 model brings the newest technology to the operating room. According to William Cavatassi, MD, the daVinci Xi system was recently replaced with the DV5, which is commonly referred to as “the robot.” Unlike many automated machines, every step in a robotic surgery is entirely controlled by the operating surgeon, ensuring precision and patient safety.
One of the most notable advantages of robotic-assisted surgeries is the ability to perform larger and more complex procedures through minimally invasive techniques. Instead of a single large incision, surgeons can now operate using three or four very small incisions. This approach helps reduce postoperative pain, lowers the risk of wound complications, and leads to faster recovery times—all significant benefits for the Veterans who rely on VA care.
The daVinci DV5 system allows surgeons to interface directly with the robotic apparatus. It translates the surgeon’s hand movements into highly precise, micro-movements of surgical instruments inside the patient’s body. By eliminating natural hand tremors and providing superior control, the system offers unparalleled accuracy. During surgery, the surgeon sits at a console near the operating table, using hand controls and foot pedals to guide the robot’s arms in real time.
With the DV5, surgeons can directly adjust critical settings such as gas pressure, gas flow, lighting, and energy device parameters during the operation. These improvements help streamline procedures and can reduce overall operating time. The system also introduces instruments with haptic feedback, enabling surgeons to better gauge the force applied to tissue, which improves safety and outcomes.
Ergonomics have been enhanced in the new DV5 model, providing greater comfort for surgeons during long operations. As a teaching hospital, the Lexington VA has also benefited from upgrades that facilitate surgical education. The improved surgery simulator helps train future surgeons, while integrated Artificial Intelligence (AI) now evaluates every move during procedures. This AI provides recommendations for improvement and suggests targeted simulations, helping trainees refine their skills and prepare for real-world surgery.
The adoption of the daVinci DV5 robotic surgical system marks a significant step forward for the Lexington VA Health Care System. By combining innovation, precision, and commitment to education, the hospital continues to enhance patient care and support the development of skilled surgical professionals, ensuring Veterans receive the best possible treatment.