MemorialCare expands robotic surgical program with da Vinci 5 system to strengthen minimally invasive care across Southern California hospitals

MemorialCare Health System has taken a significant step to reinforce its position in advanced surgical care by introducing the da Vinci 5® robotic surgical system at three of its major hospitals—Orange Coast Medical Center, Saddleback Medical Center, and Long Beach Medical Center. This deployment, announced on September 9, 2025, makes MemorialCare one of the first health systems in Southern California to adopt the fifth generation of Intuitive Surgical’s (NASDAQ: ISRG) flagship robotic platform. More importantly, it positions the organization as the first to make the technology widely available in the communities of Long Beach and Fountain Valley, regions with growing demand for minimally invasive treatment options. The move underscores MemorialCare’s long-standing strategy of investing in innovation to expand access to cutting-edge healthcare while reinforcing its reputation as a leader in robotic surgery.

Why MemorialCare is investing in robotic surgery across Southern California hospitals

MemorialCare’s decision to introduce the da Vinci 5 surgical system throughout its network reflects a broader transformation within U.S. healthcare. Over the past two decades, robotic-assisted surgery has shifted from a niche technology used in specialized centers to a mainstream option for procedures ranging from prostatectomies to complex thoracic surgeries. Since Intuitive Surgical received FDA clearance for the first da Vinci system in 2000, adoption has accelerated steadily. By 2024, millions of procedures had been performed worldwide using Intuitive’s platforms, representing robust, sustained growth in robotic utilization across clinical specialties.

For health systems like MemorialCare, the investment is about more than technology—it is about maintaining competitiveness in a region known for medical innovation. Southern California is home to major academic medical centers and health systems such as Cedars-Sinai, UCLA Health, and Kaiser Permanente, all of which have been early adopters of advanced surgical robotics. By equipping Orange Coast, Saddleback, and Long Beach with the da Vinci 5, MemorialCare ensures that its patients do not need to leave their communities to access the latest minimally invasive procedures. Historically, robotic surgery was largely confined to urology and gynecology, where smaller incisions and enhanced visualization proved especially beneficial. Over time, applications expanded to general surgery, thoracic procedures, and bariatric operations. MemorialCare’s program reflects this broader shift: more than 120 surgeons across its hospitals are trained on da Vinci platforms, performing operations in nine specialties, including pelvic and reconstructive surgery, gynecological oncology, vascular procedures, and cardiac interventions.

How the da Vinci 5 system improves precision, ergonomics, and patient recovery outcomes

The da Vinci 5 is Intuitive’s most advanced robotic platform to date, incorporating more than 150 design improvements over earlier generations. One of its most notable innovations is next-generation 3D imaging that delivers higher-resolution visualization to surgeons during procedures. This increased clarity allows for more accurate dissection, suturing, and navigation around delicate anatomical structures, which is crucial when operating in confined spaces or near vital organs.

In addition to superior imaging, the da Vinci 5 introduces advanced tremor and vibration control mechanisms. By filtering out unintended hand movements, the system enables smoother, more precise instrument handling, which is especially valuable in intricate surgeries such as thoracic procedures or gynecological oncology cases where millimeters matter. The introduction of Force Feedback technology further elevates surgical accuracy by allowing surgeons to feel and measure the pressure applied to tissue. Early preclinical evaluations suggest this feature can meaningfully reduce applied force, a development that has the potential to lower complication rates and improve patient safety.

From the patient perspective, these technological enhancements translate into tangible benefits. Minimally invasive robotic procedures are associated with smaller incisions, reduced blood loss, and shorter hospital stays. For communities like Long Beach and Fountain Valley, where access to specialized surgical expertise has sometimes required travel to Los Angeles or Orange County’s larger medical centers, the arrival of da Vinci 5 technology represents a major step toward more equitable healthcare delivery. These gains align with evolving payer expectations under value-based care, where better outcomes and faster recovery can reduce total cost of care.

Why surgeon training is critical to successful robotic-assisted surgery expansion

Technology, no matter how advanced, relies on the expertise of the professionals who operate it. Recognizing this, MemorialCare has invested heavily in training its surgical teams. More than 120 surgeons across the three hospitals have undergone specialized instruction to master robotic-assisted techniques. This investment is particularly significant given that surgeon proficiency directly correlates with patient outcomes; higher case volumes in robotic surgery are associated with shorter operative times, lower complication rates, and improved long-term results.

Long Beach Medical Center, in particular, has become a regional hub for robotic thoracic surgery training since 2020. Under the leadership of Amir Abolhoda, M.D., medical director of robotic cardiothoracic surgery, the hospital has hosted case observation programs for surgeons across Southern California. Dr. Abolhoda, who has performed more than 1,000 robotic procedures, has emphasized the importance of mentorship in expanding the reach of minimally invasive techniques. By training the next generation of physicians, MemorialCare not only strengthens its own clinical teams but also contributes to raising the overall standard of care across the region. This educational focus mirrors a broader industry movement, as the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education encourages residency programs to integrate robotics into their curricula to meet growing clinical demand.

How the integration of da Vinci 5 into hospital operations could improve efficiency and scale

A key consideration for any health system investing in new technology is how seamlessly it integrates into existing workflows. The da Vinci 5 was designed with interoperability in mind, offering compatibility with many instruments already in use on earlier versions such as the da Vinci Xi and da Vinci X. This reduces the cost burden for hospitals and minimizes disruptions during the transition to the new platform while preserving established operating room practices.

The da Vinci 5 also includes built-in insufflation and an integrated electrosurgical unit, eliminating the need for multiple separate devices in the operating room. A universal interface accessible by both the surgeon at the console and the operating team streamlines coordination during complex cases. These improvements reduce setup time and enhance surgical efficiency, allowing more procedures to be completed within the same timeframe and enabling hospitals to optimize operating room utilization.

For surgeons, the ergonomic redesign of the console is another noteworthy advancement. By offering adjustable configurations, the system accommodates a wide range of body types and even supports pregnant surgeons, a consideration that reflects the evolving demographics of the surgical workforce. Better ergonomics reduce physical strain during lengthy cases and can help sustain focus and precision over time, which benefits both surgeons and patients.

What MemorialCare’s adoption means for Intuitive Surgical and the future of robotic surgery

Intuitive Surgical remains the dominant player in the robotic surgery industry, with thousands of da Vinci systems installed worldwide and a strong pipeline of product improvements. The launch of the da Vinci 5 represents both an evolutionary step in technology and a strategic reinforcement of Intuitive’s market leadership. The platform’s dramatic increase in computing power supports real-time analytics and integration with digital tools for training and performance review, positioning Intuitive to capture growing demand for data-driven surgical platforms.

From a financial perspective, Intuitive has reported consistent revenue growth supported by rising procedure volumes and recurring instrument and accessory sales. Gross margins have historically remained high, underscoring the durability of the company’s razor-and-blade model. Investor sentiment toward ISRG has generally been constructive, with analysts highlighting the company’s dominant market share, expanding indications, and deep installed base. Institutional holders have maintained significant positions, reflecting confidence in the company’s ability to expand into new geographies and specialties as hospitals standardize on the da Vinci ecosystem.

For MemorialCare, partnering with Intuitive to deploy the da Vinci 5 system offers both clinical and reputational advantages. By being among the first in Southern California to adopt the platform, the health system is signaling its commitment to innovation, which can attract top surgical talent and strengthen patient trust. From a market perspective, expanding robotic capabilities may also help retain patients who might otherwise seek advanced procedures at competing academic medical centers in Los Angeles or San Diego, thereby safeguarding share in a competitive regional healthcare environment.

How robotic surgery adoption could transform patient access and market competition in healthcare

The expansion of robotic surgery at MemorialCare hospitals has broader implications for Southern California’s healthcare landscape. The region faces rising demand for complex surgical procedures, driven by an aging population and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and obesity. By offering advanced robotic procedures locally, MemorialCare is reducing barriers to access and supporting patients who might otherwise delay or forgo care due to travel burdens or scheduling constraints.

The technology also dovetails with the national shift toward value-based care, where health systems are incentivized to improve outcomes while managing costs. Minimally invasive surgery has been shown to reduce hospital length of stay, decrease postoperative complications, and accelerate recovery, which can translate into lower overall costs for payers and patients alike. For employers and insurers in the region, the availability of advanced robotic procedures at local hospitals could also mean fewer lost workdays and improved productivity.

Looking ahead, the deployment of the da Vinci 5 system could open the door for expanded clinical trials and research initiatives within MemorialCare’s network. The platform’s real-time analytics and digital integration capabilities are particularly suited for data collection, which could support research into surgical outcomes, training methodologies, and artificial intelligence-driven insights into surgical performance. This aligns with broader industry trends, as health systems increasingly seek to integrate technology not only for clinical care but also for research and population health management.

Industry observers suggest that as more health systems adopt the da Vinci 5, competitive pressures will intensify, encouraging hospitals to differentiate themselves through specialized service lines, patient experience, and measurable value-based outcomes. For Intuitive Surgical, the challenge will be maintaining its leadership position as companies such as Medtronic, Johnson & Johnson’s Ethicon, and Medrobotics continue to invest in alternative robotic platforms. Yet with its strong financial performance, entrenched market share, and steady institutional backing, Intuitive remains well positioned to defend its dominance.

For patients, the message is clear: access to robotic surgery is becoming more democratized. By bringing the da Vinci 5 to communities such as Long Beach and Fountain Valley, MemorialCare is enabling patients to receive world-class surgical care closer to home. The move reflects a growing healthcare trend—one where technology is not only enhancing surgical precision and outcomes but also helping to close gaps in accessibility across diverse populations. As MemorialCare expands its robotic surgery program, it is leveraging innovation to deliver better care while strengthening its position in a competitive healthcare ecosystem.