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State-of-the-art procedures

Aurora is a place where terminal becomes treatable, hopeless becomes hopeful, life-threatening becomes life-saving

Aurora hospitals offer many treatments available nowhere else in the state. We are committed to improving the quality of health care and health outcomes through rapid and broad application of knowledge. 

Stereotactic breast biopsy

One alternative treatment to breast surgery is stereotactic biopsy, where x-ray images are used to target abnormalities. The minimally invasive procedure is highly accurate for targeting growths for biopsy and analysis. During the stereotactic biopsy, the breast is immobilized and a small area is numbed with a local anesthetic. Then, a small nick is made in the skin, through which a needle is inserted. A computer calculates the exact position of the abnormality. Digital x-ray is used to guide the needle to the biopsy area and tissue samples are taken. The process allows physicians to identify, biopsy and diagnose lumps in the breast much quicker than in the past.

Microwaves to treat atrial fibrillation

The technology that allows you to heat a cup of water or cook a frozen meal in minutes is now being used to treat a common heart problem. David Kress, MD, the chief of cardiothoracic surgery at St. Luke's Medical Center in Milwaukee, became the first physician in the United States to use microwave technology to treat atrial fibrillation. A number of other surgeons across the country have traveled to Milwaukee to observe the procedure before performing it themselves.

Heart transplant

Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center is one of the top 10 centers in the country for number of adult heart transplants performed. Of the medical centers in the top ten such as UCLA Medical Center, The Cleveland Clinic and Duke University Medical Center, St. Luke's has the best 1-year survival rate. 

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy

The Center for Comprehensive Wound Care and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy at St. Luke's is internationally recognized as a leader in the clinical application, education and research of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). It offers one of the nation's oldest and largest hyperbaric facilities.

How are charitable gifts used at Aurora?

.	Technology Medical technology and new and more effective ways to diagnose and treat disease are rapidly progressing
.	Clinical research With physicians and scientists involved in hundreds of investigations we're advancing medical outcomes through clinical research
.	State-of-the-art procedures Attracting and retaining medical professionals who are leaders and innovators in their field performing state-of-the-art procedures
	Charitable care Providing charitable care to people who would not otherwise have it – those without insurance or the means to pay medical bills not covered by insurance