July 25, 2025

The state’s first intraoperative MRI is in place and being prepared for patients.

It was lifted by crane Thursday into the new Sanford Orthopedic Hospital on the campus of Sanford USD Medical Center.

The machine will be adjacent to one of the operating room spaces, as well as in close proximity to the connected Sanford Children’s Hospital.

“This provides our team with several benefits, including real-time imaging during surgery, increased surgical precision and improved patient safety by allowing easier access and transportation care for all patients,” said Kathy Schuler, Sanford Health vice president of operations with surgical and digestive health services.

 Sanford estimates the machine weighs 13,000 pounds.

The building includes 12 operating rooms, and with the MRI attached directly to an OR, patients can receive screening during surgery.

“Sanford Health is very excited to implement the state of South Dakota’s first intraoperative MRI,” said Dean Kusler, Sanford Health vice president of orthopedics and neurosciences. “This will enable our surgeons to perform surgeries on patients who otherwise may have had to be transferred out of state.”

The nine-story, 161,000-square-foot building will see its first patients Jan. 12, 2026.

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