ALBUQUERQUE – April 5, 2024 –Lovelace Medical Center (LMC) completed its first right robotic pleural biopsy. The minimally invasive thoracic procedure was performed by Luis Cerda, M.D., cardiothoracic surgeon with the New Mexico Heart Institute/Lovelace Medical Group, using Intuitive’s Da Vinci Xi robotic system, which makes smaller incisions than the traditional open procedure, resulting in less postoperative pain, reduced infection risk and quicker recovery and hospital stay.
“When you compare the traditional open procedure, known as a thoracotomy to the robot, it allows for fewer complications,” said Dr. Cerda. “I have a three-dimensional view, versus a two-dimensional view, which can help to minimize nerve compression/damage and ensure a more precise incision. I’m so pleased we now have this option for our patients with thoracic tumors.”
“I am very proud to have a Da Vinci Xi robot at Lovelace Medical Center,” said Brian Miller, chief executive officer of LMC. “This new treatment option allows us to provide our community with the highest quality of cardiothoracic care, close to home.”
To learn more about LMC and its commitment to providing quality and compassionate care, please visit lovelace.com. To make an appointment with a New Mexico Heart Institute/Lovelace Medical Group cardiac provider, please call 505.841.1000 or schedule an appointment at your convenience by visiting https://lovelacemedicalgroup.com/appointment.
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Contact:
Whitney Alcantar, Lovelace Health System
Phone: 505.727.5503
Lovelace Medical Center
Lovelace Medical Center (LMC), located in the heart of Albuquerque, is a 263-bed acute care hospital with over 1,100 employees providing comprehensive care, including around-the-clock emergency care, surgical services, non-invasive robotic spine surgery, cardiology, stroke care, radiology and oncology services. LMC was recently named to U.S. News & World Report High Performing Best Hospitals, in Heart Attack, Heart Bypass surgery, Heart Failure, Kidney Failure, Stroke and COPD got 2022 -2023 and received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Get with the Guidelines Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award for 2023 for the 11th consecutive year. LMC earned Spine Surgery Program Certification from DNV for 2022- 2025 by demonstrating excellence in orthopedic surgery, including diagnosis and treatments in spine surgery as well as Primary Stroke Center Certification from DNV for 2022 – 2025 for its readiness to handle a full range of stroke-related medical problems. The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) awarded LMC, one of only 249 programs in the world, the Practice Transitional Accreditation Program (PTAP) for 2023, signifying that the hospital is following best practices and utilizing an evidence-based curriculum that is focused on helping the new graduate nurse transition from student nurse into professional nursing practice. To learn more about the state-of-the-art treatment options, innovative health care providers and award-winning quality initiatives at Lovelace Medical Center, visit lovelace.com.