Saratoga Hospital First in Northeastern New York to Demonstrate da Vinci 5 Telepresence During Live Surgery
Saratoga Hospital is using its new da Vinci 5 robotic surgical system to bring surgical expertise together across the Albany Med Health System, using telepresence technology to connect surgeons at Saratoga Hospital and Albany Medical Center in real time during a procedure.
During a gallbladder removal at Saratoga Hospital, Anthony Cutry, M.D., Ph.D., performed the robotic-assisted procedure using the da Vinci 5 while Sandra DiBrito, M.D., Ph.D., joined remotely from Albany Medical Center.
Through the da Vinci 5’s telepresence capabilities, Dr. DiBrito was able to see the same surgical view Dr. Cutry was seeing and communicate directly with Dr. Cutry and the entire operating room team in real time. The technology allowed the two surgeons to discuss the procedure and collaborate despite being in different locations.
“This is an exciting example of what being part of an integrated health system can mean for our patients and physicians,” said Dr. Cutry. “With telepresence, we can bring a colleague directly into the operating room virtually, share the same view and communicate in real time. It gives us another powerful way to collaborate and draw on the expertise available across our health system.”
Dr. DiBrito, who serves as Program Director for the Surgical Residency at Albany Medical Center, said the technology also creates new possibilities for surgical collaboration and education.
“Telepresence allows us to be present and engaged with our colleagues even when we aren’t physically in the same operating room,” said Dr. DiBrito. “Being able to see what the operating surgeon sees and communicate with the entire OR team creates tremendous opportunities to share expertise, collaborate and support surgical education across our health system.”
The da Vinci 5 is the latest generation of Intuitive’s robotic-assisted surgical technology. Saratoga Hospital added the system in 2026 as part of its continued investment in advanced minimally invasive surgical care.
The use of telepresence further strengthens connections among physicians across the Albany Med Health System, helping make specialized expertise more accessible while allowing patients to receive advanced surgical care close to home.