Introducing the da Vinci Surgical System

Owensboro Health Muhlenberg Community Hospital is pleased to announce the recent acquisition of the da Vinci Xi® surgical system by Intuitive, designed with the goal of further advancing the technology used in minimally-invasive care. The system was first used at OHMCH on July 28 for general surgery and has the potential for use across a spectrum of minimally-invasive gynecology, urology, thoracic and cardiac.

 As with all da Vinci surgical systems, the surgeon is 100% in control of the robotic-assisted da Vinci system, which translates their hand movements into smaller, more precise movements of tiny instruments inside the patient’s body. The Xi® system’s immersive 3DHD vision system gives surgeons a highly magnified view, virtually extending their eyes and hands into the patient. Key features include:

• Overhead instrument arm architecture is designed to facilitate anatomical access from virtually any position
• Endoscope digital architecture creates a simpler, more compact design with improved vision definition and clarity
• An ability to attach the endoscope to any arm, providing flexibility for visualizing the surgical site
• Smaller, thinner arms with joints designed to offer a greater range of motion than ever before
• Longer instrument shafts designed to give surgeons greater operative reach

“We looked forward to bringing Da Vinci here,” said Joe Muradov, MD, general surgeon at Owensboro Health Muhlenberg Community Hospital. “It allows us to perform procedures with higher accuracy to decrease the possibility of complications. Patients don't have to travel to go somewhere for a follow-up for these procedures, and their recovery time will be much shorter and closer to home — closer to family, and that means a lot.”

Recovery time may even be shorter and less painful, thanks to smaller incisions. “We are so fortunate to have the da Vinci robot to provide the newest technology of surgical services to our patients, right here at home in Muhlenberg County,” Crystal Mills, OHMCH Director of Surgical Services, said. “The robot provides a minimally invasive alternative for most laparoscopy procedures and some procedures that otherwise would have been opened with a larger incision. For our patients, it means less blood loss, less scarring and a faster, often less painful recovery due to fewer and smaller incisions. We understand the importance of getting back to work or your normal routine as quickly as possible, with the minimal amount of pain possible.”

Owensboro Health Muhlenberg Community Hospital secured the surgical system thanks to funding from various organizations. Owensboro Health Foundation provided $400,000; the Felix E. Martin, Jr. Foundation provided $200,000; The Community Hospital, Inc. provided $200,000; and Owensboro Health provided the remainder of approximately $1,000,000.

Owensboro Health Foundation Director Tracy Naylor said funding this initiative aligns with the Foundation’s mission of bringing exceptional care to rural areas.

“Owensboro Health Foundation is honored to invest in the health and well-being of those who choose Owensboro Health Muhlenberg Community Hospital for their medical care and surgical needs,” Naylor said. “The Da Vinci surgical systems robot will change the landscape of services offered and greatly enhance the patient experience there. We are so pleased to partner with local donors in such a significant way to make this advancement possible. This is the largest investment we’ve made like this, and to be able to do that in Muhlenberg County is a joy. We look forward to many more opportunities to address access to care in this community.”

“We are thrilled to be a leader in this field and look forward to continually bringing Muhlenberg County advanced minimally-invasive surgical options,” Ed Heath, OHMCH Chief Operating Officer, said. “This is just another way we’re striving to bring the very best care closer to home.” 

“I am so proud to be a part of an organization that wants to provide the highest quality care to our patients,” Crystal Mills said. “We may be a small hospital, but we provide great service and the technology of a larger hospital. I'm proud to call OHMCH my home.”

For more information on minimally invasive surgical options at Owensboro Health Muhlenberg Community Hospital, visit OwensboroHealth.org/OHMCH.