L’ANSE, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Baraga County Memorial Hospital held an open house today to show off some new cutting-edge medical equipment. Dozens of people showed up to catch a glimpse of future medical marvels in use today.
It’s called the Da Vinci Five, a surgical robot capable of completing some of the most advanced surgical procedures. The only one in the UP is right here in Baraga.
“You see fast recoveries, less pain, less patient downtime. You know, fewer infections. It really just allows people to get, you know, much more advanced care, you know, kind of the latest and best techniques here at home and not have to travel for that,” said surgeon Gregory McBride.
The surgical robot has several advantages over traditional surgery. Not only can it make extremely intricate cuts, but it can move in ways no human hand ever could, which leads to smaller incisions and an improved patient experience.
“It really, truly is very intuitive when you get your hands on those controls. It really feels like an extension of your hands when you move your fingers and move your hands a certain way; the robot makes those movements,” said McBride.
The hospital also rolled out its new hyperbaric chamber, which most people associate with scuba diving, but is also used to treat wounds that won’t heal, like those common in diabetics.
“The hyperbaric chamber is a game changer, especially for people with diabetes. If they have diabetic foot ulcers, for example, this could help them prevent amputation,” said wound care director Linda Kovacs.
Hospital CEO Bob Stowe said the price tag for the new equipment is in excess of $3 million, money well spent to ensure a healthy community.
“We’re committed to reinvesting in our services for our local community, so that type of investment means that people won’t have to drive to get some of those surgeries,” said Stowe.
