Arrowhead Regional Medical Center advances surgical capabilities and launches ambient AI technology

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Healthcare professionals in an operating room, all wearing blue surgical gowns, masks and eyewear. — *Arrowhead Regional Medical Center vascular and endovascular surgeon Samuel Schwartz, M.D., pictured at center, performs surgery at the medical center in Colton.*

Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC) has expanded its surgical services to include TransCarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR), a minimally invasive procedure that reduces stroke risk for patients with carotid artery disease.

“By expanding access to advanced vascular surgery, we are investing in tools that improve outcomes and strengthen the patient experience,” said ARMC Chief Executive Officer Andrew Goldfrach, FACHE.

TCAR is a minimally invasive treatment for carotid artery disease, which is a buildup of plaque in the arteries that supply blood to the brain and can significantly increase stroke risk. Through a small incision above the collarbone, surgeons temporarily reverse blood flow away from the brain while placing a stent to restore healthy circulation.

“TCAR provides a less invasive option for patients who may not be good candidates for traditional carotid surgery,” said ARMC Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer John H. Brill, M.D. “Being able to offer this procedure locally means patients throughout our region can receive advanced stroke prevention close to home.”

Ambient AI

In addition to expanding advanced surgical care, ARMC is investing in technology to enhance the patient’s experience during routine primary care visits.

Ambient AI (Artificial Intelligence) technology allows clinicians to spend more time focused on patients by streamlining clinical documentation.

Ambient AI was recently launched in ARMC’s primary care clinics. With patient consent, Ambient AI securely captures conversations during medical appointments and generates a draft clinical note within the electronic health record. Providers can focus more fully on patients while spending less time documenting visits after appointments.

Together, the introduction of TCAR and Ambient AI reflects ARMC’s commitment to expanding access to specialized care while improving the experience for both patients and healthcare providers.

About Arrowhead Regional Medical Center

Arrowhead Regional Medical Center is a 456-bed university-affiliated teaching hospital licensed by the California Department of Public Health, operated by San Bernardino County, and governed by the Board of Supervisors. It is ARMC’s mission, in an environment of learning and innovation, to serve our diverse community with high-quality, compassionate care. The hospital, located on a 70-acre campus in Colton, California, operates the Edward G. Hirschman Regional Burn Center, the Dev A. GnanaDev Trauma Center, a comprehensive stroke center, an inpatient behavioral health center, a neonatal intensive care unit, women’s health and maternal-fetal medicine, orthopedics, five primary care centers, and more. ARMC also provides more than 40 outpatient specialty care services. ARMC is helping to achieve the countywide vision by addressing the community’s wellness and educational needs. ARMC is the primary teaching hospital for the California University of Science and Medicine (CUSM). The university welcomed its first class of students in 2018. For more information on CUSM, visit https://cusm.edu/. For more information about ARMC, visit https://www.arrowheadregional.org/.

Additional County Update News – July 16, 2026