Ascension Providence Opens New Hybrid OR

Since its inception in 1950, the Ascension Providence Heart Hospital has continued to grow, producing many “firsts” for Waco. In 1973, Providence physicians performed Waco’s first open heart surgery, a milestone that has been followed by more than 10,000 open heart surgeries. In 2018 we performed Waco’s first TAVR (minimally invasive heart procedure), and Waco’s first Watchman procedure in 2019.

Over four years ago there was a vision to create another “first” for Waco by building a hybrid operating room (OR). Today, this $7 million project has been completed and a new first for Waco exists!

We are grateful to Margaret and Weldon Ratliff who made the lead donation of $3.5 million for this project. Thanks to many other donors, Providence Foundation contributed another $1 million towards this OR, and the remainder was funded through Ascension.

This hybrid OR will allow for highly complex, advanced surgical procedures to be performed. This OR is equipped with advanced medical imaging devices such as fixed C-Arms and x-ray scanners, allowing for minimally-invasive surgeries, but in a sterile environment for more complex surgeries when needed.

On February 23rd, a blessing of the hybrid OR took place asking for God’s favor over each patient, clinician and surgeon that enters this surgery suite.