Da Vinci 5 Robotic Surgical System Arrives at Adventist Health and Rideout

For nearly a decade, it has been Dr. Art Garcia’s dream to bring minimally invasive robotic surgery to Adventist Health and Rideout. He trained with the technology extensively during fellowships at UC Davis and UCSF, and believed that it was absolutely essential to have the best, most advanced surgical tools available right here in the Yuba-Sutter community.

It’s been quite a journey. But today, Dr. Garcia’s dream has become a reality.

Intuitive’s dV5, the latest in their line of Da Vinci surgical robots, arrived Wednesday at Adventist Health and Rideout. The acquisition was made possible through the largest philanthropic commitment to a single project in the history of the Adventist Health Rideout Foundation.

This new robotic system will offer patients in the Yuba-Sutter region access to advanced, minimally invasive procedures that result in smaller incisions, less pain, lower infection risk, and faster recovery.

For Patience Boudreaux, President of Adventist Health Rideout Foundation, and Heather Peña, Foundation Board Chair, the system is a response to meeting with Rideout physicians and understanding their priorities. Robotic surgery came up countless times, with the surgical team driving the need for this technology home.

“Being able to care for their most medically vulnerable patients here is paramount to our physicians,” Boudreaux said. “It gave the foundation pause to hear Dr. Garcia say that if he was starting his career over, he would not choose a hospital that did not have robotic surgery.”

By itself, the robotic system promises to bring game-changing technology to the community. What makes this such a perfect fit at the hospital, according to Adventist Health and Rideout president Chris Champlin, is pairing the Da Vinci 5 with dedicated, caring physicians.

“We have surgeons who are capable of using this technology, and this technology advances their own skills,” Champlin said. “We’re putting the best tools in the hands of the best surgeons, and the outcomes will just be that much better.”

Dr. Jasbir Singh Kang, a longtime physician at Adventist Health and Rideout and foundation board secretary, has been another staunch advocate for the Da Vinci 5. In addition to the advancements the technology brings, having the robotic system at the hospital means that patients won’t have to travel to get the care they need.

It’s not just about driving to Sacramento for surgery, either. It’s also the follow-ups and other surrounding care that, while necessary and important, can become strenuous if distance is involved.

“I know patients who cannot drive to Sacramento. It can be very taxing on them, as well as their families,” Dr. Kang said. “So having something available right here is really a great, phenomenal idea.”

As the Da Vinci 5 settles into its new home, the journey isn’t over yet. The Rideout Foundation made a historic leap of faith, Boudreaux said, one that showcases just how important it was to bring minimally invasive robotic surgery to the only full service hospital in the country Yuba-Sutter community. Now, the foundation is seeking $1 million in community support to ensure that they can continue to help bring the latest, best technology to support the health and well-being of their friends, families and neighbors.

“We need the entire community,” said John Weiler, a Rideout Foundation board member and community advocate. “We need all kinds of people who are willing to volunteer, who are willing to help raise money, who are willing to write checks.

“The entire community has to support this effort in order to maintain and sustain our community hospital.”

The hospital’s new robotic system is already scheduled for its first surgery later this fall, and Dr. Garcia can hardly contain his excitement. It was one of his primary objectives when he came to Adventist Health and Rideout almost 10 years ago, and he is extremely grateful to the foundation and community for making this possible.

When the day comes to scrub up and perform the first surgery with the da Vinci 5, will there be any nerves mixed into the excitement for Dr. Garcia as he embraces the new technology?

“It’s like riding a bike,” Dr. Garcia said, smiling. “You don’t forget.”

Watch as our team discusses the Da Vinci 5