St. Margaret's new surgical suite approved for occupancy

Peter Miller III, president; Joyce McCullough, publisher/editor; Tim Muntz, President/CEO of St. Margaret's Health; Joe Dellatori, Foundation director, and Tammy Pienta, RN, director of Surgical Services, are shown inside the new operating room suite at St. Margaret's Health that came from a donation from the Miller Charitable Trust and proceeds from the Artisan Showcase. (Photo contributed)

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SPRING VALLEY — St. Margaret’s fifth surgical suite has been approved for occupancy by the Illinois Department of Public Health.

The addition of the suite became necessary for the increased growth and to accommodate new technology and equipment. This equipment, which suspends from the ceiling, conserves space and is used for orthopedics and other surgeries requiring the latest technology.

In addition to the equipment and integration system allowing more open floor space, it also clears the floor from equipment cords, and improves ergonomics for the surgery staff due to the equipment being suspended off the ground on easily moveable booms. The circulator is able to control equipment from a central workstation by a computer integration system, thus decreasing the movement around the sterile field.

“We are very excited about the opening of our new state-of-the-art operating room. This new room allows us the opportunity to provide our patients with the newest technology as well as improved workflow for the surgeons and the staff,” says Tammy Pienta, RN, director of Surgical Services.

Dr. Paul Perona of the Family Orthopedic Center performed the first procedure, a knee arthroscopy, in the new operating suite on July 18. This new surgical suite will not only allow him, but Dr. Ram Pankaj and other surgeons to utilize some of the best technology available for large cases like orthopedic surgery, and will create a more efficient and comfortable work-environment. Although the suite was intended for major surgeries, it has exceeded many of the surgeons’ expectations regarding laparoscopic procedures, and the conveniences the new suite provides. The integrated video system has proved to provide superior picture quality and with the video monitors suspended on the booms, the surgeons are able to have the monitors as close to them as they need it to be without worrying about contaminating the sterile field.

These advances help St. Margaret’s provide the best patient care possible. Perona adds, “It is a state-of-the-art room with built-in equipment that will allow us to use cutting edge techniques. My goal is to provide patients with the most advanced technology for joint replacements and revisions, an area that was the focus of specialized training during my fellowship.”