Surgery

Our hybrid surgical suite is invaluable for diagnosing and treating heart conditions. A crucial step in performing a heart procedure is getting detailed images of your heart and blood vessels. With the hybrid suite’s high-resolution imaging capabilities, we can obtain images of unprecedented accuracy. Since the hybrid suite is a fully equipped operating room, we can immediately perform an interventional procedure if necessary.

Our physicians use the hybrid surgical suite to diagnose and treat:

• Laser lead extractions
• Complicated thoracic aneurysms
• Aortic dissections
• Endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repairs
• Congenital tissue defects
• Valvular Diseases
• Transcatheter aortic valve repairs and replacements
• Transcatheter carotid artery repairs
• Cardiac valve dysfunction

The CHRISTUS St. Michael Center for Joint Replacement was the first hospital in the four-states area to offer MAKOplasty®. Utilizing the RIO® Robotic Arm Interactive Orthopedic System, this breakthrough solution means more people are free from suffering painful osteoarthritis of the knee. MAKOplasty surgeon-assisted robotic technology is a less invasive procedure. Learn more about our advanced robotic surgery technology.

Continuum of Care 

A dedicated Care Coordinator who oversees the entire patient experience across the continuum of care. The Care Coordinator ensures that there is accurate and consistent communication by all medical providers and that the transition of care from one part of the process flows well into the next part of the care process. The Care Coordinator works closely with the Physician Champion to lead monthly meetings and identify areas for improvement to the overall quality of clinical care, including monitoring and evaluating outcomes.

Our care coordinators will personally be there to help you learn what to expect before, during and after the surgery and connect you with rehabilitation services and educational resources. Our care coordinators are available to each patient by phone or email to help answer any questions or concerns.

Quicker Recovery

These minimally invasive techniques utilize miniature cameras with microscopes, tiny fiber-optic flashlights and high definition monitors that allow our skilled surgeons in many specialties to perform surgery through an incision that requires minimal suturing and typically means reduced pain, smaller scars and quicker recovery.

After Care

After your surgery, registered nurses specially trained in post-operative care will attend to your needs until you are well enough to go home. When you are discharged, you will be provided with written instructions for after-surgery care.

With your permission, a nurse will call you within 24 hours to check on you, ask how you are feeling, and address any concerns you may have. We want to make sure you are well on your way to recovery.

Pre-Operative Services

The first step towards making your surgical experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible will be your pre-operative visit. During your visit, we will explain your surgical procedure and address any questions or concerns you may have. Any laboratory tests ordered by your surgeon or anesthesiologist will take place during your pre-operative visit.

This will be a good opportunity for you to get acquainted with our staff and familiarize yourself with the Outpatient Surgery area. We will help you complete your paperwork, review your insurance forms, and finalize your payment arrangements.

Check List for the Day of Surgery

• Wear comfortable clothing that is appropriate for your type of procedure/test (comfortable walking shoes for stress test).
• Do not wear any valuables or bring any with you.
• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight prior to your procedure/tests.

What to bring on the day of surgery

• Driver's license
• Insurance cards
• Medication you are currently taking
• Living will/advance directive
• One adult who can legally sign consent forms to be with you
• Contact lens case and solution (or reading glasses)
• Denture cup (if applicable)