BUCKHANNON, W.Va. – St. Joseph’s Hospital is proud to announce the successful implementation of the Da Vinci 5, Intuitive’s most advanced robotic surgical system, marking a major investment in surgical innovation and patient care for the region. The hospital completed its first procedure with the new system on November 13, performed by Dr. Susan Long, showcasing the capabilities of this next-generation technology.
Built on more than a decade of research and development—and informed by clinical and operational insights from more than 14 million procedures performed on previous generations of Da Vinci systems—the Da Vinci 5 is designed to transform surgery by enabling improved outcomes, enhancing efficiency and providing insights that may help lower the total cost of care.
“We are excited to bring this level of technology to our hospital and our community,” said Skip Gjolberg, President and CEO of St. Joseph’s Hospital. “This upgrade reflects our continued commitment to providing the highest-quality surgical care close to home, using tools that support both exceptional patient outcomes and surgeon experience.”
The Da Vinci 5 introduces several significant advancements that directly support surgeon autonomy, precision and workflow efficiency. Among its most notable innovations is the introduction of Force Feedback technology, which enables surgeons to sense and measure the force exerted on tissue during surgery. Preclinical trials have shown that surgeons using this capability can deliver up to 43 percent less force on tissue, adding a valuable data stream that may support future AI-driven surgical insights.
The system also enhances operating room workflow through integrated technologies—such as insufflation and electrosurgical units—connected within a single platform. Its universal user interface allows key settings to be accessed by both the broader surgical team and the surgeon directly from the console, supporting smoother and more efficient procedures. With more than 10,000 times the computing power of the Da Vinci Xi system, the Da Vinci 5 also offers expanded digital capabilities and advanced processing power that enable improved imaging, future integration with Intuitive’s digital tools and enhanced data-driven support for clinical teams.
Surgeon comfort and ergonomics are also improved through an extensively redesigned console that includes extended adjustments to accommodate a wide range of body types and surgical preferences. This enhanced design allows surgeons to optimize their viewing and operating position, contributing to reduced fatigue and improved long-term performance. In addition, the system features more than 150 engineering and design innovations, including new surgeon controllers, enhanced tremor and vibration controls and Intuitive’s highest-resolution 3D imaging system to date, allowing surgeons to see more clearly and operate with greater precision.
The Da Vinci 5 will support a wide range of surgical procedures performed at St. Joseph’s Hospital and represents the hospital’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to clinical excellence within Buckhannon, Upshur County and the surrounding region.
