Surgeons Gain New Tools to Deliver Better Outcomes

Posted On: Mar 12, 2026

Antelope Valley Medical Center stands among a limited number of Los Angeles County hospitals to offer the latest state‑of‑the‑art da Vinci robotic surgical system. The program proudly launched with an all‑female surgical team, a milestone that reflects both excellence and representation within the Antelope Valley.

“This investment is a reflection of our continued quest to improving the patient’s experience while transforming the way we perform surgery,” said Edward Mirzabegian, Chief Executive Officer, Antelope Valley Medical Center. “By providing patients with local, innovative surgical options—allows them to get back to their everyday lives as quickly as possible”.

The new technology empowers surgeons with improved precision and strengthens the care team’s efficiency throughout the surgical process. During the procedure, the surgeon is 100% in control of the da Vinci system. Seated on a console, in the same room as the patient, the surgeon manipulates instruments in real time through small incisions in the patient’s body. This enables the surgeon to operate with enhanced vision, skill, and accuracy.

The da Vinci tool is best suited for any soft tissue surgery such as:

General surgery: gallbladder, hernia, colectomy
Thoracic: lung resection, mediastinal mass
Urology: prostatectomy, nephrectomy
Gynecology: hysterectomy, ovarian, cystectomy

Most recently, the hospital hosted an educational session and hands‑on demonstration to help physicians across specialties learn and experience the new technology firsthand.

To learn more about AVMC’s new surgical options, visit www.avmc.org/Surgery.

Photo caption: All-female surgical team launches the da Vinci system at Antelope Valley Medical Center—(from L to R) Alexandra Tortola, OR RN, Dr. Myra Martin, general surgeon Dr. Jennifer Choy-Shin, and OR scrub tech Karina Amaya.

Photo caption: Dr. Steven Fass leads a da Vinci surgical system demonstration and educational session for hospital physicians.

About Antelope Valley Medical Center

Antelope Valley Medical Center (AVMC) is the leading hospital in the heart of the Antelope Valley, delivering high-quality, compassionate healthcare to the community since 1955. As a 420-bed, full-service, acute-care hospital, AVMC offers comprehensive medical services, including emergency care, advanced surgical procedures, maternity and neonatal care, cardiovascular care, and the region’s only trauma center, pediatric and inpatient behavioral health unit. With a focus on innovation and compassionate care, AVMC is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the communities it serves. For more information, visit www.avmc.org, call (661) 949-5000, or follow us at @avmedicalcenter.

About Intuitive Surgical, Inc.

Intuitive (Nasdaq: ISRG), headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif., is a global technology leader in minimally invasive care and a pioneer of robotic-assisted surgery. At Intuitive, our mission statement is we believe that minimally invasive care is life-enhancing care. Through ingenuity and intelligent technology, we expand the potential of physicians to heal without constraints. Intuitive brings more than two decades of leadership in robotic-assisted surgical technology and solutions to its offerings, and develops, manufactures and markets the da Vinci surgical system and the Ion endoluminal system.

About the da Vinci surgical system

There are several models of the da Vinci surgical system. The da Vinci surgical systems are designed to help surgeons perform minimally invasive surgery. Da Vinci systems offer surgeons high-definition 3D vision, a magnified view, and robotic and computer assistance. They use specialized instrumentation, including a miniaturized surgical camera and wristed instruments (i.e., scissors, scalpels and forceps) that are designed to help with precise dissection and reconstruction deep inside the body.