Island Hospital acquires breakthrough laser technology for urology services

||| FROM LAURA MORONEY for ISLAND HOSPITAL |||

ANACORTES, Washington – Island Hospital is expanding urology services with breakthrough laser technology designed for treating kidney stones and prostate procedures. The Olympus SOLTIVE™ SuperPulsed Laser System enables physicians to deliver quicker and more efficient stone removal, which may translate to shorter procedure times and less patient discomfort. This advanced laser technology expands urology services in the region to allow for after-hour, acute kidney stone treatment. Thanks to the generosity of Island Hospital Foundation donors who are passionate about improving community health and providing patients with a full range of high-quality urological services, the Soltive laser system is available beginning next week.

Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form in the kidneys when urine becomes concentrated. Over the past 30 years, there has been an increase in kidney stones amongst Americans. According to the National Kidney Foundation, more than half a million Americans go to the emergency department for kidney stone related issues each year. Furthermore, it is estimated that one in 10 people will have a kidney stone at some point in their life.

The SOLTIVE SuperPulsed Thulium Fiber Laser System is an all-in-one platform for lithotripsy, soft tissue and BPH treatment. This compact system offers the broadest range of settings for fragmenting and fine dusting kidney stones and precisely cutting through soft tissue indications, including BPH treatment. Designed to have a small footprint, the SOLTIVE can fit on a standard operating room cart and plug into any wall outlet because it requires no specialty wiring. By comparison, commonly used high-powered Holmium YAG laser systems consume more energy, need higher voltage outlets, and can weigh over 400 lbs.

The portable SOLTIVE Laser System is the first breakthrough in laser technology in two decades. Powered by a long slim internal fiber with thulium ions in its core, the fiber is activated by light from LEDs, which results in reduced power and maintenance requirements. SOLTIVE combines lower energy levels and higher frequencies with virtually no retropulsion, providing increased capabilities in breaking and dusting stones in less than half the time.

“We are delighted to offer patients the latest advancement in laser technology that will deliver faster and more efficient care, “ states CEO Charles Hall, MSN, MBA, RN. “With the SOLTIVE laser, procedures are safer and more successful with eliminating kidney stones. Our team is very much looking forward to setting a new benchmark for urological services in our region.”

Island Urology is led by Mansel Kevwitch, MD, FACS, who has extensive experience diagnosing and treating diseases of the urinary tract in both men and women. Dr. Kevwitch is board certified and is a member of the American Board of Urology. Island Urology also welcomed David Rice, MD to the urology department this month. Dr. Rice is an experienced urologist relocating from Lewiston, Idaho. He has been practicing urology for more than 20 years.

By acquiring the new Olympus Soltive SuperPulsed Laser System and expanding urology services, Island Hospital reaffirms its commitment to providing exceptional care and improved patient outcomes.

For more information about Island Hospital’s new surgical capabilities, please call Island Urology at (360) 299-4980 or visit www.islandhospital.org/island-urology/.