SWFL’s only joint replacement surgical center makes medical history in first year
NAPLES, Fla. (November 7, 2016) – Southwest Florida’s first and only facility built to focus on same-day outpatient joint replacement surgical procedures has come of age, marking several milestones. Launched in November of 2015, Seaside Surgery Center made Southwest Florida medical history with its first same-day outpatient total hip replacement, performed by Co-Founder, CEO and Medical Director Robert J. Zehr, M.D. Shortly thereafter, partner H. Kurtis Biggs, D.O., performed the first total knee replacement. Steven S. Goldberg, M.D., conducted the first shoulder joint replacement. Together the partners, which includes sports medicine specialist Dr. Brian Wallace, and podiatrists Dr. Jamie Weaver, Dr. Chris Paladino, Dr. Michael Petrocelli and Dr. Chris Calcagni, have treated over 1,000 patients at the center during its first year in operation. More than 50 joint replacements have been performed. Other procedures conducted at Seaside include arthroscopies; treatment of fractures; bunionectomies, hammer toe correction and various other foot and ankle procedures; and multiple hand procedures such as carpel tunnel repair and trigger finger repair. A team of more than 15 highly experienced nurses and administrators assists the surgeons.
Seaside offers advanced technology
The total hip replacements are performed using the direct anterior approach, in which the surgeon accesses the hip joint from the front of the patient’s body. Providing more accurate placement of the implant, faster recovery with less pain and a less restrictive prognosis, this minimally invasive surgery is possible by utilizing a specialized piece of operating equipment called a Hana® table. Seaside is the only outpatient surgical facility in the area to have this equipment. “Barring complications, a total hip replacement using the direct anterior approach conducted by an experienced surgeon can be completed in less than 60 minutes,” explains Dr. Zehr. He has seven such surgeries scheduled on the day of Seaside’s anniversary. “Patients are up walking within hours, and are discharged soon afterward to recover in the comfort of their own homes, cared for by family and friends and attended to by our visiting nurse,” Zehr continues.
Seaside is also the only Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) using the new Synergy UHD4® imaging system by Naples orthopedic device manufacturer Arthrex. It is the most advanced imaging system for arthroscopic evaluation and treatment of joint conditions currently on the market.
Seaside partners invent medical devices
Seaside surgeon and partner Steven S. Goldberg, M.D., recently invented an orthopedic implant described as a “breakthrough” for shoulder replacement surgery. Used with a new surgical approach that results in less stretching of muscles and ligaments, the Catalyst CSR Shoulder System minimizes the amount of bone removal required during a typical shoulder joint replacement. Dr. Goldberg has begun training other orthopedic surgeons in the Catalyst CSR Shoulder System, using Seaside as a training site. Over a dozen orthopedic surgeons nationally have received training on the system. “Having this top-of-the-line facility available makes the training process easy and enjoyable,” says Goldberg. “Our operating rooms are larger than those found in most outpatient surgery centers, indeed, larger than many hospitals’ operating rooms.”
Seaside Co-Founder H. Kurtis Biggs, D.O., has also been innovating. He is part of a design team of surgeons that created a new hip implant via 3-D printing, also known as additive manufacturing. The iNSitu™ hip system received FDA approval October 14, 2016 and Dr. Biggs will perform his first surgeries using the new hip on November 23. “This hip implant more closely matches human bone, resulting in better ingrowth. It also has better wear characteristics than other competitive implants on the market. The implant and instrumentation are specifically designed for the direct anterior technique and for streamlined use in the outpatient surgical center environment,” says Biggs.
The Seaside state of mind
The Ambulatory Surgery Center Association estimates roughly 100 centers around the country are performing outpatient joint replacements. “We are part of a nationwide trend toward same-day outpatient joint replacement surgery,” explains Dr. Biggs. “The center offers the optimum environment for successful surgical outcomes and is more convenient and easier to navigate than a hospital. The pristine, private environment, away from traditionally sick patients, reduces the risk of infection and improves patient satisfaction.”
While the benefits of ASCs like Seaside are often measured in dollars and cents, the real value to patients can’t be calculated. “It was just wonderful to come home at 2 pm—home to my own bed, my own bathroom, my own food on my own schedule, my own TV and my own sweet (King Charles) spaniels to comfort me!” says Seaside patient Jill Ducatman. “I am convinced that my recovery was enhanced and shortened by my happy state of mind as an outpatient.”
ABOUT SEASIDE SURGERY CENTER: Seaside Surgery Center is a physician owned multi-specialty Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) and is the only ASC in Southwest Florida to offer same-day outpatient total joint replacement. Conveniently located at 1879 Veterans Park Drive, Suite 1101 in Naples, Florida, Seaside is licensed by the State of Florida Agency for Health Care Administration and has been approved by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. For more information or to schedule a surgery consultation, please contact Seaside Surgery Center at 239-592-4955. Online at www.SeasideSurgeryCenter.com.