MountainStar Healthcare is offering a broad spectrum of surgical services across the Wasatch Front, utilizing advanced robotic-assisted and minimally invasive technologies to facilitate faster recovery times and shorter hospital stays for patients. The healthcare network provides specialized treatments ranging from complex cardiovascular surgeries to orthopedic joint replacements at various hospital locations.
Specialized Cardiovascular and Vascular Care
The healthcare system's surgical capabilities include specialized care for heart and vascular conditions. Cardiovascular surgeons at MountainStar work to repair damage caused by heart failure or congenital abnormalities using both traditional open-heart methods and minimally invasive approaches. These procedures include coronary angioplasty, where a medical balloon is used to improve blood flow, as well as coronary artery bypass surgery, which can be performed using a heart-lung machine either with the heart beating or on a pump.
Additional vascular treatments offered by the network involve coronary atherectomy to grind away plaque, peripheral angioplasty for the lower body, and renal angioplasty for kidney blood flow. For more complex vascular needs, surgeons perform abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repairs, carotid endarterectomy to reduce stroke risk in patients with transient ischemic attacks, and femoropopliteal bypass surgery to restore blood flow to the legs and feet. St. Mark's Hospital specifically provides treatments for varicose and spider veins as part of its vein care programs.
Advanced Robotic Surgical Technology
Advanced robotic technology is a central component of the network's surgical offerings. At MountainStar, robot-assisted surgery allows surgeons to use an advanced computer system to control robotic arms from a console located just feet away from the operating table. This technology utilizes a high-definition 3D camera and tiny instruments to provide enhanced imaging and increased precision.
Benefits of Robotic-Assisted Procedures
According to MountainStar Healthcare, the benefits of utilizing robotic technology include less scarring, reduced blood loss, fewer complications, and a reduced risk of infection. These robotic-assisted procedures are implemented across numerous medical specialties, including gastroenterology, gynecology, nephrology, orthopedics, and urology. Specific robotic surgeries performed include robot-assisted cholecystectomy, hysterectomy, nephrectomy, prostatectomy, spinal fusion, and both hip and knee replacements.
Orthopedic and Joint Replacement Programs
The network's orthopedic and joint care programs focus on treating chronic pain caused by arthritis, injuries, or degenerative conditions. Surgeons offer both partial and total joint replacements for the hip, knee, shoulder, and ankle. For hip replacements, surgeons may use a minimally invasive anterior approach, which involves an incision on the front of the hip to spare healthy tissue and allow for quicker recovery.
Precision in Robotic Joint Surgery
In addition to standard joint replacements, MountainStar utilizes robotic-arm technology for hip and knee procedures. This process begins with a specialized computed tomography (CT) scan, allowing surgeons to use 3D modeling to customize a surgical plan before the procedure. The robotic system then helps the surgeon precisely place and align the prosthesis, which can lead to a more natural-feeling joint and minimized trauma to healthy bone and tissue.
Bariatric, Craniofacial, and Neurosurgical Services
The scope of surgical services at MountainStar extends to several other critical medical fields. Bariatric surgery options include gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, gastric band, and duodenal switch for patients treating morbid obesity. Craniofacial surgery is available for children with ear, oral, or traumatic deformities, while neurosurgeons provide care for brain and spine conditions, including tumor excision and spinal cord stimulator placements.
Other specialized surgical departments include ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgery—covering procedures such as cochlear implants, tonsillectomies, and sinus treatments—as well as ophthalmologic surgery for cataracts and glaucoma. The urologic surgery department manages conditions of the bladder and kidney through procedures like lithotripsy and vasectomy reversal. Additionally, the network provides plastic and reconstructive surgery for both cosmetic and reconstructive needs.
MountainStar Healthcare operates various surgical clinics and specialized centers throughout the Wasatch Front, including locations such as Lone Peak Hospital in Draper, Ogden Regional Medical Center in Ogden, St. Mark's Hospital in Salt Lake City, and Timpanogos Regional Hospital in Orem. This distribution allows patients to access care at a hospital or a freestanding surgery center near their homes.
To support patient wellness outside of the operating room, the network provides post-operative resources such as cardiac rehabilitation therapy to re-strengthen heart muscles and physical therapy regimens for orthopedic recovery. The healthcare system also offers health risk assessments for heart and joint health, along with in-person and virtual classes taught by specialists on joint and spine health topics.
For patients navigating surgical decisions, MountainStar Healthcare provides 24/7 access to licensed nurses through its Consult-A-Nurse service. This resource is designed to help patients understand symptoms, answer health-related questions, and navigate the process of seeking specialized care.
