On June 30, 2017, Maricopa Integrated Health System had its first robotic surgery performed. This was made possible by a collaborative effort between Intuitive Surgical, the leadership of MIHS and the Department of Surgery (DMG). Through a unique program, MIHS was chosen as one of only five hospitals in the country being given a dual-console Si robotic platform for no capital cost to the institution. The other four hospitals are Bellevue Hospital, Grady Hospital, Parkland Hospital, and LBJ. 
The robotic platform combines open surgical techniques with the advantages of minimally invasive approaches. It uses an ergonomically designed console where the surgeon sits while operating, utilizing four interactive robotic arms, a high-definition (10 times magnification) 3D vision system and the proprietary EndoWrist® instruments, which have a greater degree of movement than the human wrist. This platform also has dual consoles, meaning that two surgeons could work simultaneously, or more importantly, a resident and surgeon can work together, giving hands-on training in new minimally invasive techniques.
The system at MIHS, named the R.O.S.S. (Robotically Operated Surgical System, suggested by Dr. Robert Dixon and appointed by Dr. Daniel Caruso), has now become a mainstay, and being used by the General Surgery service to provide a variety of operations for MIHS’ patient population. Currently, the General Surgery division is working closely with Intuitive to explore ways to deliver high-quality robotic surgery to MIHS’ unique patient population in today’s cost-saving healthcare environment.
