FirstHealth Enhances Robotic Surgery with da Vinci 5® Surgical System

PINEHURST, N.C. — FirstHealth of the Carolinas is proud to announce the recent acquisition of the Intuitive da Vinci 5® surgical system, the latest in robotic-assisted surgical technology designed to elevate precision, efficiency and outcomes in minimally invasive care at Moore Regional.

The da Vinci 5 is Intuitive’s most advanced and integrated platform, building on the strengths of its predecessors—including the da Vinci X®, Xi®, and SP®—while introducing more than 150 new design innovations to expand its capabilities in a range of surgeries.

FirstHealth is one of just five hospitals in North Carolina and the only one in the region to offer patients the da Vinci 5 surgical system.

“The da Vinci 5 system is a game-changer in minimally invasive surgery, allowing our surgeons to perform complex procedures with heightened precision and efficiency,” said Wayne McFatter, MSN, R.N., CNOR, RNFA, executive director of surgical services for FirstHealth. “This technology provides our surgical team with the most advanced tools available, helping us ensure better patient outcomes and a faster recovery process.”

The da Vinci 5 system is equipped to support minimally invasive procedures in various specialties, including urology, gynecology, thoracic and general surgeries. Key advancements include:

• First-of-its-kind force feedback technology to reduce the amount of force applied to tissue, enabling a more delicate touch during procedures.
• Enhanced 3DHD visualization, featuring truer colors, higher resolution and the most lifelike 3D imaging in the da Vinci line.
• Improved ergonomic design to optimize surgeon comfort and provide an enhanced view of the surgical field.
• Unmatched computing power, delivering more than 10,000 times the computational capability of the da Vinci Xi to provide valuable, real-time insights.

As with all da Vinci surgical systems, the da Vinci 5 is fully controlled by the surgeon, translating their hand movements into precise, scaled movements of tiny instruments inside the patient’s body. The system’s future-ready design offers the flexibility to integrate upcoming enhancements, ensuring that FirstHealth remains at the forefront of minimally invasive care. The first surgeries using the da Vinci 5 system at Moore Regional were performed on November 8 by Walter Fasolak, D.O., OB/GYN, and Nathan Knapp, M.D., general surgeon.

“The da Vinci 5 robot represents an exciting advancement in surgical care at Moore Regional,” said Dr. Fasolak. “With its enhanced precision and control, I can perform complex gynecologic procedures with greater accuracy, which translates to positive patient outcomes and quicker recovery for my patients. It’s rewarding to be part of a team that continually brings innovative technology to our community.”

This sentiment was shared by Dr. Knapp, who noted how robotic surgery enhances both efficiency and patient care.

“With the da Vinci 5, we’re able to explore and push the limits of robotic surgery,” he said. “This technology allows me to perform complex procedures through small incisions, which reduces pain and speeds recovery time. I’m proud to offer my patients access to such advanced care and the latest in surgical innovation right here at Moore Regional Hospital.”

FirstHealth’s robust robotic surgery program now encompasses multiple advanced robotic platforms, empowering surgeons across specialties—including general surgery, gynecologic oncology, gynecology, thoracic surgery, urology, orthopaedics, and bariatrics—to deliver minimally invasive procedures for a wide range of conditions.

“FirstHealth’s investment in the da Vinci 5 system reaffirms our commitment to providing world-class care and advanced surgical options to patients right here in the Sandhills region and beyond,” added McFatter.

For more information about surgical services at FirstHealth, visit www.firsthealth.org.

PHOTO CUTLINE: Surgical services team members Wayne McFatter, MSN, R.N., CNOR, RNFA, executive director of surgical services for FirstHealth; Mandie Scott, R.N., assistant nurse manager, MRH operating room; Nancy Gorba, R.N., MRH operating room; Christina Gardner, CST, MRH operating room; Marilyn Ceniceros, CST, MRH operating room; and Alyssa Cusumano, R.N., MRH operating room, gather with the new da Vinci 5 surgical robot ahead of its installation, marking an exciting milestone in advancing surgical care at Moore Regional.