Above: Areo Saffarzadeh, M.D., director of robotic thoracic surgery at Providence Cancer Institute, speaks to KPTV.
September 2026
Advanced technology is helping make surgery more precise and less invasive for patients at Providence Portland Medical Center. The hospital recently introduced the da Vinci 5 surgical robot, offering surgeons enhanced visualization, greater control and new capabilities designed to support a smoother recovery experience.
Providence Portland expects to perform about 1,600 robotic procedures this year, up from 1,200 in 2025. While robotic-assisted surgery has been used for years, the da Vinci 5 represents the latest advancement in the technology.
"What the robot is doing is it's taking my own abilities and it's enhancing them," says Areo Saffarzadeh, M.D., director of robotic thoracic surgery at Providence Cancer Institute. "Instead of use[ing] my own eyes, I've got 10x magnification."
Helping patients recover faster
The system also allows surgeons to sense tissue tension and resistance and use highly precise instruments that are smaller than the human hand.
Because robotic-assisted procedures are often less invasive, patients may experience less pain, shorter hospital stays and a quicker return to everyday life.
Nearly one-third of Providence Portland surgeons use robotic technology. By combining experienced surgical teams with advanced technology, Providence continues to expand access to innovative care close to home.
Related
- Schedule an appointment with Providence Portland Medical Center.
- Read how a doctor is using robotics to get patients out of the hospital faster after their knee surgery.
- See a story of a clinician improving patient care with robotics at our Providence Portland Medical Center.
