MONTEREY, Calif. — September 28, 2026 — Montage Health leaders, physicians, donors, and community partners gathered on September 24 to celebrate the arrival of three new da Vinci 5 surgical systems at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, marking a significant investment in advanced surgical care and the continued growth of the largest robot-assisted surgery program on California's Central Coast. 

The ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrated the installation of the next-generation robotic platforms, made possible by generous community support through Montage Health Foundation, and highlighted the organization's commitment to expanding access to innovative, minimally invasive surgical care close to home. 

"We’re celebrating an important step forward in surgical care at Montage Health," says Mike McDermott, MD, president and CEO of Montage Health. "We’re increasing our capacity, investing in our surgical teams, and continuing to build the kind of care our community should be able to receive close to home. " 

Community Hospital replaced two da Vinci Xi surgical systems with the three da Vinci 5 systems, increasing surgical capacity and providing surgeons with enhanced tools for complex procedures across multiple specialties, including thoracic, gynecology, urology, general surgery, and bariatric surgery. Montage Health’s program is the only one on California’s Central Coast offering robot-assisted thoracic surgery. 

The da Vinci 5 platform builds on previous robotic technology with more than 150 design enhancements, including improved surgeon ergonomics, enhanced 3D imaging, expanded computing power, advanced data capabilities, and force feedback technology that allows surgeons to sense subtle pressure and tension on tissue during procedures. 

“What I love about robot-assisted surgery is how much it expands what I’m able to see and do,” says Harsha Mittakanti, MD, a Montage Medical Group urologist and Montage Health’s medical director of robot-assisted surgery. “That level of visualization and control gives me an extra layer of support during complex procedures. When robotassisted surgery is the right approach for a patient and we see an excellent outcome, that’s very rewarding.” 

Robot-assisted surgery allows surgeons to perform many procedures through smaller incisions than traditional open surgery. For patients, this can mean less pain and scarring, reduced blood loss, lower risk of infection, and faster recovery. 

The da Vinci 5 systems are part of Montage Health's continued investment in advanced robot-assisted surgery and other minimally invasive treatments. Along with the new surgical platforms, Montage Health recently introduced high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for certain patients with localized prostate cancer. HIFU uses precisely targeted ultrasound energy to destroy cancerous tissue without incisions, expanding treatment options while minimizing recovery time. 

Looking ahead, Montage Health plans to add the Ion robot-assisted bronchoscopy system in spring 2027. Ion is designed to help physicians navigate to difficult-to-reach areas of the lung, supporting earlier diagnosis of lung cancer. Together, da Vinci 5, HIFU, and Ion represent a growing suite of technologies that give physicians more options to tailor care to each patient's needs while expanding access to advanced treatment close to home.

ABOUT MONTAGE HEALTH 
Montage Health is a nonprofit healthcare organization with deep roots in Monterey County dating back more than 92 years. Independent and locally owned, Montage Health was created by Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula to deliver exceptional care to more people. Centered at the hospital, Montage Health’s network includes MoGo Urgent Care, Montage Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Center, Montage Wellness Center, Montage Medical Group for primary and specialty care, Aspire Health Plan, and Ohana, a family-focused youth mental health program. Montage Health is continually investing in healthcare innovations to make the highest standard of care accessible to everyone in Monterey County.