Orthopedic surgeon Jeffrey Krusniak performed arthroscopic surgery on July 20 to repair a patient’s rotator cuff, the first surgery of its kind performed at PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center in Friday Harbor.

An anesthesiologist from PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center flew from Bellingham on the morning of July 20 to administer the anesthesia and monitor the patient throughout surgery.

Arthroscopy involves making a small incision through which a pencil-sized scope and specially designed instruments are inserted. The scope is attached to a camera, allowing the surgeon to view the joint area on a screen without needing to make the kind of larger incision associated with “open” surgery. The procedure does not require hospitalization, and patients typically have an easier recovery than they may have with open surgery.

General surgery has been available at PeaceHealth Peace Island since December 2014 and orthopedic surgery since April of this year.

“We’ve had great outcomes with our surgeries,” says Karla Veum, a registered nurse, perioperative manager. “People are happy and appreciate the convenience of having surgery close to home.”