A new robotic-assisted knee surgery system is now available at four AdventHealth facilities in Volusia County. The VELYS robotic-assisted knee surgery system has been introduced at AdventHealth Surgery Center Daytona Beach, AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach, AdventHealth Fish Memorial, and AdventHealth Surgery Center Blue Springs. Surgeons have already performed more than 200 procedures using the technology.
Dr. Mark Duber recently completed the first VELYS procedure at AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach. “For someone who’s been living with chronic knee pain, this can be life-changing,” said Dr. Mark Duber, an orthopedic surgeon at AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach who recently performed the hospital’s first VELYS procedure. “It’s amazing to see patients walk more comfortably and confidently, sometimes just days after surgery.”
The VELYS system provides real-time imaging and helps surgeons align joints during operations. This may result in improved outcomes and comfort for patients following surgery. The technology also aids in soft tissue balancing, which can affect how natural a joint feels after recovery.
Dr. Nathan Turnbull was the first to use the VELYS system at AdventHealth Fish Memorial. “It’s similar to getting a perfect alignment on your car,” said Dr. Turnbull. “When everything lines up just right, your joints move more smoothly, and there’s less wear and tear. With this technology, we can customize each knee replacement to match how a patient naturally moves — which can mean faster healing and better long-term comfort.”
AdventHealth offers these procedures both in hospitals and outpatient centers so that patients can choose between overnight stays or returning home the same day.
Dr. John Redmond led the initial use of the robot at AdventHealth Surgery Center Daytona Beach. “In some cases, returning home just hours after surgery can mean less disruption to daily life,” said Dr. John Redmond at AdventHealth Surgery Center Daytona Beach, the first location in the East Florida Division to use the technology. “For others, the hospital may be a better fit due to age, mobility, or underlying health concerns. Having care available across multiple settings helps ensure patients get the support they need without having to travel far.”
“Bringing this technology to our hospitals and surgery centers is about making care better and easier to reach,” said Dr. Andrew Weinfeld, chief clinical officer for the AdventHealth East Florida Division. “We’re making robotic-assisted knee replacements more precise, more personal, and more local — because patients deserve the very best, not just in the future, but today, and not hours away, but right here in their neighborhood.”
AdventHealth Orlando is based in Orlando, Florida and was established in 1908; it serves as both a pediatric facility and training hospital under its current president Terry Shaw.
