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The Orlando VA Healthcare System (OVAHCS) is breaking new ground in surgical technology as the first VA facility in the nation to evaluate a state-of-the-art Maestro robotic assistant, a

system designed to enhance laparoscopic procedures by providing surgeons with greater precision and control. Dr. Chensi Ouyang, a surgeon at the Orlando VA Medical Center, provided insight

into how this new system bridges the gap between traditional laparoscopic surgery and fully robotic platforms like the da Vinci system, currently being used by the VA.  “The Maestro by Moon

Surgical allows a surgeon to operate without a bedside assistant,” Dr. Ouyang explained. “With laparoscopic surgery, a surgeon typically relies on an assistant, or even two in gynecologic

surgery, to stabilize the camera or retractors. The Maestro takes over that role, giving the surgeon the capability to operate with both hands, while the system holds the camera. This frees

up personnel for other critical tasks.” Unlike the bulkier da Vinci robotic system, which requires a designated operating space, this device is compact and mobile, making it easier to deploy

across any operating room according to Dr. Ouyang.  “This flexibility ensures that more Veterans can benefit from advanced surgical procedures regardless of facility size or staffing

limitations." The Orlando VA deployed this technology in early January 2025, with 20 procedures already completed using the system. While patient outcomes remain under evaluation, the

system is expected to maintain the same level of surgical excellence while streamlining efficiency. “Ultimately, this is about improving access to care,” Dr. Ouyang emphasized. “There are VA

sites that perform laparoscopic surgery but may be limited by staffing shortages. This technology can help mitigate those challenges by allowing surgeons to perform more procedures with

fewer personnel.” While the Maestro robotic system is currently in its trial phase at the Orlando VA, the technology’s future looks promising. AI-driven enhancements are in development, and

ScoPilot, a cutting-edge robotic assistance system, was just FDA approved, enabling the Maestro’s system’s camera to intuitively track a surgeon’s movements in real time, further improving

efficiency. “For now, it’s an extra set of hands, but in the future, it could be a system that actively anticipates and adapts to a surgeon’s needs,” Dr. Ouyang said. The trial period will

last three months, after which the VA will assess the system’s cost-effectiveness and impact before determining whether to implement it permanently.  With this pioneering initiative, the

Orlando VA reaffirms its commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance Veteran healthcare, ensuring that those who served receive the best medical care available. For Veterans

and their families, this innovation marks another step toward a future where advanced technology improves surgical outcomes and expands Veteran access to quality care.

                                                                                                           # # # ABOUT THE ORLANDO VA HEALTHCARE SYSTEM: Established in 2006, the Orlando VA

Healthcare System is one of the leading healthcare systems serving more than 142,000 Veterans in the VA Sunshine Health Care Network offering healthcare services at 11 locations serving east

central Florida. Recently recognized by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the healthcare system received 5 out of 5 stars in overall hospital quality. The healthcare system

has also been given 5-star recognition for patient experience by Becker’s Hospital Review and was awarded the 2024 Patient Safety Program of Excellence designation from the Veterans Health

Administration’s National Center for Patient Safety.                                                                                                                  To learn more about the

facilities and services offered by the OVAHCS, please visit: VA Orlando Health Care | Veterans Affairs, subscribe to receive email updates by clicking here, like us on Facebook at: Orlando

VA Healthcare System | Facebook, follow us on Instagram at: Orlando VA Healthcare System (@ovahcs) • Instagram photos and videos or on Twitter at: @OVAHCS / Twitter.