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Santa Clara Valley Healthcare’s O’Connor Hospital Celebrates 1,000th Robotic Surgery

New ION Robotic Assisted Bronchoscopy System Has Arrived

Santa Clara County, Calif. – Santa Clara Valley Healthcare's O'Connor Hospital in San José is celebrating its 1,000th Robotic Assisted Surgery on October 4. O’Connor Hospital has been utilizing the Da Vinci Robotic Surgical System for the past four years for cardio thoracic, general, urology and gynecology procedures that include: removing kidney tumors, chest procedures to fight pneumonia, lung cancer resections, hysterectomies, ovarian cancer removals, hernia operations, colon cancer resection, weight loss surgery and more.

Video footage of Robotics Surgery at O’Connor Hospital can be seen here

“The future for robotic surgeries continues grow and play a critical role in patient care,” said Juana Castillo, Hospital Executive for O’Connor Hospital. “Santa Clara Valley Healthcare has continuously invested in new technologies at O’Connor Hospital, and will remain at the forefront of patient care by utilizing these new technologies while focusing on safety.”

Beginning this month, a new ION robotic-assisted biopsy system will provide endoscopic approach to biopsies of lung nodules in a minimally invasive manner. During robotic-assisted bronchoscopy a specialized physician guides an ultra-thin catheter through the airway into different areas of the lung for biopsies, including areas that were traditionally difficult to reach. These procedures can be performed on an Outpatient basis. The goal is to diagnose more lung cancers at early stages and facilitate the subsequent performance of minimally invasive lung cancer operations and achieve higher rates of cure.

“The Robotic technology allows us to offer patients more surgeries done in a minimally invasive fashion, expediting recovery with less pain, and potentially decreasing risks of long-term complications” said Dr. Thomas Hirai, Director of both the Robotic Surgery Program and the Bariatric and Metabolic Health Center. “We can have better visualization, stability and precision. Many new advances are in the pipeline, and we want to continue to embrace them while prioritizing quality and safety.”

The O’Connor Hospital Robotic Surgery Program is accredited as a Center of Excellence by the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC). The accreditation recognizes O’Connor Hospital’s commitment and high standards of quality patient care in Robotics. The program is one of the select hospitals in the Bay Area to receive the award. Additionally, Dr. Hirai is recognized as a Surgeon of Excellence by SRC for his dedication to furthering patient safety and care. 

Contact: Santa Clara Valley Healthcare Media Relations, (408) 568-3122, [email protected]

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About Santa Clara Valley Healthcare
Santa Clara Valley Healthcare (SCVH), California's second-largest County-owned health and hospital system, is comprised of three acute care hospitals, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, O’Connor Hospital, and St. Louise Regional Hospital, along with a network of primary and specialty clinics. SCVH emphasizes quality care, research, teaching, innovation, and most importantly, a focus on coordinated, compassionate and patient-centered care for every patient. SCVH is also the home for the County’s Custody Health Services department, providing medical attention to those under our care. Our mission is to provide high-quality, accessible healthcare and excellent service to everyone in Santa Clara County, regardless of their social-economic status or ability to pay.