Da Vinci Surgical System is being used in urology and general surgery, with plans to expand to additional surgical specialties, including cardiac surgery
Southlake Health is the first hospital in York Region to offer robotic-assisted surgery using the Da Vinci Surgical System.
The Da Vinci Surgical System is an advanced robotic-assisted platform that supports surgeons during select minimally invasive procedures, a hospital news release said.
The system is being used in urology and general surgery, with plans to expand to additional surgical specialties, including cardiac surgery, through a phased implementation approach over time.
Fully controlled by the surgeon, the system translates hand movements into precise, real-time movements of robotic instruments while providing a high-definition, magnified view of the surgical site.
By enhancing visualization, precision and control, the technology expands surgical capabilities and supports increasingly complex procedures through minimally invasive techniques, the hospital stated.
“For patients, the addition of this technology provides access to one of the most advanced surgical platforms available today,” the hospital said.
“The introduction of the first Da Vinci Surgical System in York Region is a significant advancement for surgical care in our region,” said Dr. John Randle, chief of surgery and physician leader, surgical and perioperative services program at Southlake Health. “This technology expands our capabilities, so we can continue to provide patients with leading-edge surgical care, close to home. It also strengthens our ability to attract and retain top surgical talent, ensuring patients continue to benefit from the latest advancements in care.”
The introduction of Da Vinci builds on Southlake’s growing robotics journey, which began last fall when Southlake implemented the ROSA Knee System to offer robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery.
Southlake is the only hospital in York Region to offer robotic-assisted surgeries using both Da Vinci and ROSA.
“Together, these technologies represent another step forward in Southlake’s commitment to expanding the use of advanced technologies to strengthen patient experiences and care,” the hospital said.
Behind the launch was an implementation process involving months of training, simulation, workflow development, and preparation across multiple teams. Approximately 50 team members, including surgeons, nurses, perioperative teams, medical device reprocessing staff, and operational leaders, worked together to ensure the technology could be introduced safely while maintaining high standards of care.
“Bringing new technology of this scale into practice requires extraordinary collaboration across multiple teams,” said Erin Landry, director fo the surgical and perioperative services program at Southlake Health. “From education and simulation to workflow planning and implementation, countless staff and medical staff contributed to making this launch a success. We are incredibly proud of what has been accomplished and excited about the future of robotic-assisted surgery at Southlake.”
The introduction of the Da Vinci Surgical System is made possible through the philanthropic support of generous community donors who continue to invest in the future of care at Southlake.
“Thanks to the incredible generosity of our communities, Southlake has been able to bring this transformative technology to patients close to home,” said Jennifer Ritter, president and CEO of Southlake Health Foundation. “Innovation like this doesn’t stop at acquisition. Inspiring community investment continues in order to enable Southlake to sustain and grow these programs in their early years. We are deeply grateful to our donors, and we invite others to join them in supporting our surgical teams in delivering this leading-edge care. Together, we can secure lasting access to this game-changing technology for the patients who need it most.”