Robert J. Zehr, MD, performed the first total hip replacement at Naples, Fla.-based Landmark Hospital of Southwest Florida on June 13.
Here are five things to know:
1. Dr. Zehr performed the first outpatient total hip replacement procedure in Southwest Florida in November 2015 at Seaside Surgery Center, a facility he co-founded. He is currently the CEO and medical director of the center.
2. Not every patient is able to undergo outpatient procedures, so Dr. Zehr decided to perform hip replacements at Landmark Hospital as well. "Having Landmark Hospital in the mix opens a world of opportunity for patients who need intensive postoperative care," he said.
3. Dr. Zehr plans to take more total hip replacement cases to Landmark Hospital in the Future. The hospital's construction was complete in September 2015 and includes 50 rooms.
4. Landmark Hospital recently added four Arthrex-equipped surgical suites and hopes to install the ORs in all of its long term acute care hospitals. The hospital chain hopes to become a global medical tourism destination for orthopedic procedures.
5. Dr. Zehr has performed more than 1,400 direct anterior hip replacement surgeries during his 25 years in practice.