UCI Health expands robot-assisted surgery capabilities with first state-of-the-art system on West Coast
First patient returns home same day following successful prostatectomy
Orange, Calif. — UCI Health has expanded its robot-assisted surgery program with the addition of the Hugo™ Robotic-Assisted Surgery System, becoming the first health system on the West Coast to use the technology for patient care.
UCI Health urologic oncologist Dr. David Lee successfully performed a prostatectomy, using the modular Hugo system on Aug. 18. Lee’s patient went home the same day and is recovering well; he has additional patients scheduled for surgery in the coming weeks.
The milestone builds on more than two decades of robot-assisted surgery at UCI Health and reflects the academic health system’s continued commitment to advancing minimally invasive surgical care to support quicker patient recoveries, education and research.
"The addition of this leading-edge robot-assisted surgery technology reflects how UCI Health continues to advance patient care through innovation," said Chad T. Lefteris, president and CEO of UCI Health. "As Orange County's only academic health system, we are expanding access to advances in surgical care while creating new opportunities for research, education and the training of future physicians.”
The modular system gives surgeons flexibility in configuring the technology for individual procedures. Its advanced imaging and video capabilities also create opportunities to support surgical education, coaching and research.
"This technology enhances our ability to perform complex procedures with greater precision while strengthening our education and research mission," said Dr. Joseph C. Carmichael, chief medical officer of UCI Health. "By integrating state-of-the-art surgical technology into patient care and physician training, we are preparing the next generation of surgeons while expanding the innovative surgical options available to our patients."
A secure, private video recording component featuring consented patients will enable procedures to be livestreamed to UCI Health clinical locations for teaching and coaching. Videos can also be reviewed by clinicians and students on demand.
Additionally, a high-resolution camera provides the surgery team with a 3D view of the surgical field for improved depth perception during complex procedures.
“The introduction of the Hugo robot at UCI continues our institutional tradition of technologic leadership.” said Dr. Jaime Landman, a urologist and director of the UCI Health Center for Urological Care. “Urological procedures, including those for prostate cancer, require a high level of precision and dexterity.”
“This system grips surgical instruments, mimicking the natural movements of the human hand, allowing our surgeons to execute complex, minimally invasive procedures more efficiently,” said Landman.
UCI Health has three Hugo systems: two at UCI Health — Orange and one at UCI Health — Irvine. One of the Orange systems will be dedicated to education and training, providing opportunities for residents, fellows, UC Irvine School of Medicine students and other clinicians to develop robotic surgery skills. UCI Health also plans to expand training opportunities for surgeons throughout the region.
The Hugo system is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for urological procedures.
About UCI Health
UCI Health is one of California’s largest academic health systems and the clinical enterprise of the University of California, Irvine. Established on July 1, 1976, UCI Health has grown into a 1,461-bed health system that includes UCI Health — Orange, UCI Health — Irvine, its newest facility, UCI Health — Irvine Rehabilitation Hospital, four Community Network hospitals and a growing network of ambulatory care centers across Orange and Los Angeles counties. As Orange County’s only academic health systems, UCI Health is home to the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center based in the county, the region’s only American College of Surgeons-verified Level I adult and Level II pediatric trauma center, American College of Emergency Physicians Gold Level 1 Geriatric Emergency Department and a nationally recognized regional burn center verified by the American Burn Association. Powered by UC Irvine, UCI Health serves 5.6 million people across Orange County, western Riverside County and southeast Los Angeles County through excellence in patient care, research and medical education. Follow UCI Health on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.