MUHC becomes first hospital in the world to try new catheter procedure

The McGill University Hospital Centre (MUHC) has become the first in the world to try a new technology that will improve how surgeons treat clogged arteries.

The device, which was approved by Health Canada, is called TrapLiner and was first used on Tuesday. It will be used for procedures on patients suffering from chronic total occlusion (OTC).

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TrapLiner is a technology developed by Vascular Technology, Inc. The technology is also expected to reduce the amount of time the patient is on the operating table.

The MUHC said it was chosen to conduct the first procedure because of the reputation the catheterization laboratories – headed by Dr. Stéphane Rinfret – has garnered.

Rinfret added he hopes the technology will spread across the country to help patients with OTC.