St. Luke’s Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery

A Tradition of Excellence and Innovation

Improvements in surgery are among the most beneficial and exciting medical advancements – and minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is perhaps the single most important area of progress.

Providing the latest technology to our patients and physicians is a top priority at St. Luke’s. In 1906, our operating room boasted mobile electric lights suspended over the operating table. In 1968, the first open heart surgery in Idaho was performed here. Today, our facilities feature numerous robotic-assistive devices that allow surgeons to perform operations that are less invasive, reduce scarring and trauma to surrounding tissues, and result in faster, less painful recovery and shorter hospital stays.

What is Minimally Invasive Surgery?
Minimally invasive surgery is a term used to describe advanced procedures that require much smaller incisions than do traditional methods of surgery. The use of sophisticated technology at
St. Luke’s Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery allows surgeons to deliver care to their patients without the need for large incisions that can be more painful, pose a greater risk for infection, and take longer to heal.

State-of-the-Art Technology
St. Luke’s Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery offers specialized robotic, video, and other technologies to assist surgeons during procedures. For example, in 1994, laparoscopic surgery was improved with the introduction of a robotic assistive device called AESOP™, which acts as an extra arm for the surgeon. That same year, St. Luke’s became one of the first five hospitals worldwide to adopt robotics. Since the time St. Luke’s brought AESOP to Idaho, many area surgeons have been trained in its use, and are now offering their patients the significant benefits provided by this and other minimally invasive procedures.

Our suites dedicated to minimally invasive procedures feature the latest technology designed to increase operating room efficiency. The integrated monitors and other video-assisted surgical equipment eliminate the need for heavy, awkward instrument carts. Set-up and put-away times are reduced, and patient safety is improved by having monitors in the direct sight line of surgeons.

Our commitment to providing the latest technology, plus the skills and experience of our staff and physicians, is the reason so many people choose St. Luke’s Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery.

Designed with Patients and Physicians in Mind
St. Luke’s dedicated operating suites not only feature the state-of-the-art medical equipment surgeons require to perform a wide range of minimally invasive procedures, they are also designed to accommodate evolving technologies. Complementing our numerous AESOP devices and other specialized equipment is an image-guidance system known as VectorVision, a product of BrainLAB. VectorVision’s cutting-edge technology allows neurosurgeons and ear/nose/throat (ENT) specialists to better pinpoint the location of tumors, aneurysms, and other problem areas. This advanced computerized system assists the surgeon during all phases of the operation, including pre-surgical planning. In addition, patients in need of gynecological or urological surgery now have many options to discuss with their physician before deciding upon an open and/or less invasive procedure.

Our highly specialized and trained staff are dedicated to the care of each person who comes through the operating room doors. Whether you are an adult patient with heart disease or the parent of a child with cancer, our expertise and commitment provides the level of excellence you would expect from the region’s largest provider of health care services. St. Luke’s was named an Overall Best Performer by Avatar International – an award based on actual patient surveys that recognizes our commitment to improving health care and the professionalism demonstrated by our staff. We have also been chosen Idaho's Consumer Choice every year since 2000; most recently for 2008/2009.

St. Luke's Children's Hospital, Idaho’s only children’s hospital, provides special staff and features just for kids. Our Child Life specialists work with children and families to help make the pediatric hospital and surgical experience as pleasant and stress-free as possible. From toys to in-room movies to kid-size beds and equipment, St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital is a place where youngsters are transported by wagons rather than wheelchairs, and hugs are a regular part of the treatment.