(MINOT, ND)
Robotic surgery is coming to western North Dakota and will be offered to patients beginning this summer. Trinity Health has become the first hospital in North Dakota to acquire the new da Vinci Si HD Surgical System, the most advanced robotic surgical technology on the market.

Designed for use across several surgical specialties, the da Vinci combines the advantages of small incisions used in laparoscopic surgery with high-definition, 3D optics and advanced robotic instrumentation that is more dexterous than a human wrist. The result is a system that gives surgeons the ability to perform precise and meticulous procedures using a minimally invasive approach

Dr. Ryan Hedgepeth is a urologist who is joining Trinity Health’s professional staff in July and will head up the new robotic surgery program. Fellowship trained in both urologic cancer surgery and minimally invasive surgery, he has performed more than 150 procedures using the da Vinci system while at the Cleveland Clinic and the University of Michigan. Robotic-assisted surgery is the next evolution in minimally invasive surgery,” Dr. Hedgepeth said. “”The technology is quickly spreading across the country due to its technical advantages over traditional laparoscopic surgery and its ability to make more advanced procedures feasible and safe.””

He says that for certain types of surgery

(MINOT, ND)
Trinity Hospital has been designated a Blue Distinction Center for Cardiac Care by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. The Blue Distinction program recognizes medical facilities that exceed clinically verified quality standards, resulting in the best outcomes for patients.

Among the criteria met by Trinity:

• An established cardiac care program that performs the required annual volumes of procedures, including angioplasty and bypass surgery,
• A full range of cardiac services, including inpatient cardiac care and cardiac rehabilitation.
• Low overall complication and mortality rates.
• Subspecialty board certification of the cardiac team.
• Ongoing quality improvement program processes.

Dr. Samir Turk, an interventional cardiologist with Trinity Medical Group, said Trinity Health offers a comprehensive array of cardiovascular procedures, including coronary artery and valvular heart surgery, coronary intervention with stents, arterial disease (PAD) evaluation and treatment, aortic aneurysm treatment with endoluminal grafts, defibrillator and pacemaker insertion and assessment, and dedicated pacemaker/defibrillator and anticoagulation clinics.

This recognition speaks to the overall strength of our program ‚Ä’ the experience and skill of our team, the innovative approaches, the low mortality,” Dr. Turk stated. “”My hope is that patients will consider these factors and choose us as their cardiac provider.””

He noted

(MINOT, ND)
Joint replacement (JR) surgery isn’t just for hips, knees and shoulders anymore. Trinity Orthopedic Associates has expanded its JR services to include wrists and elbows.

Dr. E. Dexter Scott is the first of Trinity’s orthopedic surgeons to become trained in the new systems. We’re really excited about these new products,” Dr. Scott said. “”These are the newer generation of elbow and wrist prostheses. I was interested in the products and attended courses two years in a row. I was impressed with the results; it’s a big improvement over previous devices

(MINOT, ND)
The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association in conjunction with Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota has designated Trinity Hospital a Blue Distinction Center for Knee and Hip Replacement, a new designation launched this year.

Blue Distinction recognizes facilities that meet objective, evidence-based thresholds for clinical quality that are developed in collaboration with expert physicians and medical organizations. This designation is awarded to facilities that have demonstrated an objective commitment to quality care, resulting in better overall outcomes for patients who undergo knee and hip replacement procedures.

We’re very pleased that Trinity’s joint replacement program has been recognized for its excellence,” Trinity Vice President Julie Waldera declared. “”Our joint team has worked hard to create a program that’s patient-focused and provides the tools

(WILLISTON, ND)
Trinity Health today announced plans to build a new clinic in Williston, one that will serve as combined facility for its two Williston clinics ‚Ä’ Trinity Community Clinic-Western Dakota and Trinity Regional Eyecare-Williston Basin.

Dr. Mark Olson, a physician at TCC ‚Ä’ Western Dakota, says the new facility will be located across the bypass west of the hospital, just north of Herman Oil. My father practiced medicine in the same office I’m in today; this facility just cannot keep up with our new technology or patient volume,” Dr. Olson said. “”With the new building

(MINOT, ND)
Trinity Health announced today that plans are underway to move Trinity Regional Eyecare – Minot Center into the IRET Corporate Plaza near Dakota Square Mall. The new clinic is expected to open late this summer. (19,658 square feet)

Dr. Darrel Williams, longtime Trinity ophthalmologist and medical director of the eye department, said the new clinic location will offer patients an improvement in both aesthetics and function from what is offered today. We’re very excited about this move,” Dr. Williams stated. “”IRET has created a wonderful facility. We’re looking at a clinic design that will offer patients greater comfort

(MINOT, ND)
Trinity Health’s Community Education Department will celebrate American Heart Month with a free healthy cooking demonstration Tuesday, February 16. The session will get underway at 6:30 p.m. in the Skyline Room on the 6th floor of Health Center-East, 20 Burdick Expressway West.

Michelle Hoppman, LRD, CDE, clinical nutrition manager, and members of the Clinical Nutrition Team at Trinity Hospitals, will demonstrate ways to adopt a heart smart” approach to meal preparation.

“”This will be a demonstration and tasting

(MINOT, ND)&mdas;Trinity Health is lifting visitor restrictions at Trinity Hospital and Trinity Hospital-St. Joseph’s, effectively immediately. The restrictions had gone into effect in October due to a dramatic rise in flu-like illness.

The influenza virus is still circulating in our community, and people are urged to take precautions limiting their exposure. But the volume of H1N1 cases no longer warrants special visitation restrictions,” said Infection Control Coordinator Brenda Lokken.
She said Trinity Health will continue to monitor influenza cases and work with state and local healthcare providers throughout the flu season.

“”We greatly appreciate the public’s patience and understanding during this time. We believe these restrictions and public cooperation were factors in reducing the volume of influenza cases