A Robot Named da Vinci Showed a Designer Named Darcy What Can Happen When Science Becomes Art
Until recently, open-heart surgery would have been interior designer Anne Darcy’s only option for the mitral valve repair she needed. That would have meant an invasive surgery requiring weeks, if not months, of recuperation. Fortunately, she had an alternative because minimally invasive tools – like the da Vinci robot – are revolutionizing the way cardiac and other surgeries are performed at Sarasota Memorial, one of the nation’s top hospitals. Rather than the typical eight-week recovery period, Darcy and other patients undergoing robotic heart and cancer surgeries have been able to return to normal activities in as little as a week.

Hi-Tech Hospital Scanner Peeks Inside Fossilized Egg
The Somotom Definition CT scanner at Sarasota Memorial's Institute for Advanced Medicine is so advanced, it can detect a heart attack before it happens or find a tumor before it turns deadly. But last week, the high tech scanner – the only one of its kind in Florida – was used for quite a different purpose: To scan the fossilized remains of what looks like a prehistoric dinosaur egg. The Somatom displayed 3- and 4-dimensional images embroidered in colorfully detailed slices. Suspended, rotated and sharpened amid multiple filters designed to uncover heart abnormalities and tumors at their earliest stages, the scan revealed a spiraling interior pattern of solid interlocking fragments. The scans will be sent to a couple of universities and a museum for further review and testing. Click here to read more about it.

Are You or a Loved One Concerned About Memory Problems?
If memory loss is affecting your ability or the ability of someone you love to live a fulfilling, joyful life, Sarasota Memorial's Memory Clinic may provide help. Approximately 15 percent of significant memory loss has reversible or treatable causes. For others, new treatments are available to preserve function and allow individuals to continue to enjoy a high quality of life. Our multidisciplinary team works together to provide comprehensive evaluation, education and compassionate support. Visit us at our new location at Sarasota Memorial's Institute for Advanced Medicine, 5880 Rand Blvd., Sarasota. Call 941-917-7197 for more information.

Discover the Possibilities! Discover the Rewards!
Our volunteers are special people. They provide comfort and assistance to patients, their families, visitors and our staff. Every day, they share their time, talents, energy and hearts. They believe in helping others. They believe in our mission. More than 80 volunteer services support the hospital. No matter what your skills or special talents there is a volunteer opportunity to suit your interests. Make a difference in our community. Call 941-917-1008 today.

Click to Your Health! Visit smh.com
Whether preparing yourself for treatment or educating a member of your family, the online Human Atlas is a great resource that provides simple-to-grasp, 3-D video animations to help you better understand your upcoming procedure. Also, Sarasota Memorial's website provides direct access to the Consumer Care Series, your link to reliable online health information. Consumer Care Series offers easy-to-find and easy-to-understand information. You will find  Health Topics: Illnesses, diseases, symptoms, first aid... Medical Tests: Tests and exams for medical conditions...  Drug Information: Prescription and non-prescription drugs... Drug Interaction Checker: Check drug interactions against other drugs, food, alcohol, and tobacco... among many other helpful links. Sarasota Memorial's Bishopric Medical Library offers a variety of trusted healthcare resources including Medline Plus, MD Consult, National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health and more! Research any of your health care topics from this centralized location.