Telemedicine Consultation Helps Surgeon Prepare for Emergency Surgery

Posted: February 1, 2008

Minnesota Telehealth Network

A timely and proper diagnosis and treatment plan are critical to orthopedic cases, particularly in cases of complex injury. Bill Wilson, Sebeka fire chief, arrived at Tri-County Hospital (TCH), Wadena (MN) in 1999 with a severely cut thumb.

Dr. Tom Bruggen, a surgeon, recognized Bill’s injury would require a specialist hand surgeon. Dr. Bruggen immediately requested a telemedicine consult with Dr. Ann VanHeest, upper body extremities specialist at Fairview University Medical Center (FUMC).

Telemedicine allowed Dr. VanHeest to view close-up live shots of Bill’s right hand, and prepare for Bill’s arrival at FUMC which subsequently contributed to the success of the surgery. 

In addition, the discussion between Dr. Bruggen and Dr. VanHeest enhanced Bill’s confidence that his thumb could be saved because his surgeon would be well-prepared for what she would find in the operating room.

Everything went well and within a week Bill was able to return for a second bone implant surgery at FUMC. Other than those two trips, the care was done by home care staff and telemedicine follow-up checks at TCH. 

Bill’s thumb now functions and looks perfectly normal.  He has returned to work, enjoys his several hobbies and is grateful for telemedicine.

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