NEW LENOX — The new name for a $2 million, state-of-the-art surgical system at Silver Cross Hospital, located at I-355 and Route 6 in New Lenox, is "Mia," for minimally invasive approach.

Tinley Park resident Suzanne Mitchell submitted the name during the community housewarming celebration for the new hospital in February. Mitchell along with more than 8,500 area residents had an opportunity to see the new da Vinci Surgical System before offering name recommendations.

Mitchell submitted "Mia", which she says is an acronym for minimally invasive approach.

"I had heard that Silver Cross was going to be offering more minimally invasive surgery at the new hospital so I immediately thought of the name after seeing the robot," says Mitchell. "The hospital is so beautiful and this new equipment will be such a benefit for patients."

The Procedural Care Unit staff chose the name after sorting through thousands of submissions. Marybeth Antone, Administrative Director of the PCU congratulated Mitchell and presented her with a new Sony Bloggie Touch video camera.

Dr. Thai Nguyen, urologist, who will be performing the first procedure at Silver Cross in April using Mia, says the da Vinci robot helps surgeons see and work better.

"The robot allows me a magnified, three-dimensional view of the operative field which is unmatched by traditional open surgery or conventional laparoscopy. The robotically-assisted instruments give me unparalleled dexterity and precision, which are essential to achieving excellent outcomes during complicated minimally-invasive procedures.," Nguyen said.

The da Vinci SiTM Surgical System is the most advanced robotic-assisted surgical technology available. It combines a surgeon's skill with precision technology to provide patients with the newest minimally invasive option for hysterectomies, prostatectomies and other procedures. Compared to traditional open surgeries, patients benefit from smaller incisions, minimal bleeding, shorter hospital stays and faster, less painful recoveries.

Center expands hours

For patients' convenience, the Silver Cross Center for Women's Health has expanded its hours of service and is now open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The Silver Cross Center for Women's Health represents a unique concept in women's healthcare. The center was the first in the region to provide an advanced level of diagnostics coupled with specialized care for women in one convenient location.