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A configuration of advanced imagery and mapping technology, the Smart ORhelps neurosurgeons perform complex brain, spine and trauma procedures in amore effective way.
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Sacred Heart Hospital -- in Eau Claire, Wisc. -- is the first hospital inthe country to use this technology configuration for both surgery anddiagnostics. It is also the first hospital of its size to have a BrainSUITE(R)with the IMRIS iMRI (intra-operative magnetic resonance imaging) operatingsuite and eventually the iCT (intra-operative computed tomography) operatingsuite. And Sacred Heart is one of only 17 hospitals in the world to offer thistechnology configuration for patients.
The delicacy of brain and spine surgery can be compared to tightropewalking, proposes Kamal Thapar, MD, Marshfield Clinic neurosurgeon anddirector of the Brain & Spine Institute at Sacred Heart.
"Imagine navigating a tightrope blindfolded. If you deviate off the path,even slightly, you fall. In surgery, the Smart OR is the ultimate toolensuring that we don't 'fall,'" Thapar says. "The technology goes beyond whatthe human eye can see, removing that blindfold. It provides real-time, highdefinition data, allowing us to chart an exact path to tumors duringoperations -- so surrounding, healthy tissue is not damaged."
"The Smart OR is the operating room of the future," Thapar adds. "It is aquantum leap forward in the way surgery is performed. It's 'smart' technology-- it's 'smart' care."
'Smart' Technology:
Various technological elements work together to equip Sacred HeartHospital neurosurgeons with the highest level of precision and accuracy forthe complete removal of brain and spine tumors.
One distinguishing element of the Smart OR is that the iMRI technologymoves to and from the patient -- helping keep them still, lessening the riskof complications that can occur with movement. Up-to-the-second imagery isavailable during surgery to assure tumors are entirely removed, before thepatient ever leaves the operating table. Prior to this technology, standardMRI scans could only be done pre and post surgery. Conducting an iMRI scanwhile the patient is still in surgery drastically reduces the need forfollow-up surgery.
In addition, real-time images are captured with the VectorVision Sky,considered the global positioning system (GPS) for the brain, and the highmagnification Zeiss OPMI Petro C Microscope.
All of this imagery is managed via a surgical mapping system called theBrainSUITE(R). This tool provides easy access to data throughoutprocedures -- allowing the surgical team to quickly reference information onflat screens mounted in the operating room.
Collectively, the Smart OR components are housed in a unique neurosurgicalsuite at Sacred Heart Hospital's Brain & Spine Institute.
'Smart' Care:
Ultimately, the Smart OR reduces trauma, leading to a faster recovery timeand shorter hospital stay. It also reduces the risk of various complications,significantly reducing the need for follow-up surgery.
"Patients entrust us with their lives, and we owe it to them to invest inthe world's best technology and treatment options. The Smart OR is aninnovative tool that helps our neurosurgeons perform operations with greateraccuracy and precision," says Steve Ronstrom, Chief Executive Officer ofSacred Heart Hospital.
Sacred Heart Hospital employs a calculated, yet aggressive, approach toidentifying strategies and tactics to blend the latest technology with itsstrong tradition to uphold quality care.
"The Smart OR provides unmatched healthcare value," Ronstrom adds. "Ourpatients benefit greatly from the neurosurgical expertise found in our SmartOR and with our nationally renowned neurosurgical team."
About Sacred Heart Hospital
Sacred Heart Hospital strives to provide patients the best, mostspecialized treatment available by blending advanced technology with theFranciscan tradition to improve health by treating the whole person -- body,mind and spirit. The Smart OR is an excellent example of this commitment. Asan affiliate of the Hospital Sisters Health System, the hospital has beenmeeting patient needs in Western Wisconsin, since 1889, with the latestmedical innovations and technology. As a model regional tertiary care center,Sacred Heart Hospital upholds a philosophy to heal patients in all aspects --spiritual, physical, psychological and socially. For additional information onthe Smart OR, visit www.sacredhearteauclaire.org/smartor .Contacts: DeAnna Starn R/P Marketing Public Relations (419) 241-2221 [email protected] Shannon Portell Sacred Heart Hospital 715-271-2681 [email protected]
SOURCE Sacred Heart Hospital
