WINNIPEG — New technology at Health Sciences Centre will allow diagnostic machines to be used during surgery.
Two advanced operating rooms formally opened Monday at the Centre for Surgical Innovation, incorporating MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scanners. MRIs create images of the inside of the body, allowing more accurate diagnosis of injuries and disease. They are normally located in facilities separate from operating rooms.
Millions of dollars from the HSC Foundation, which raises money through a home lottery, helped pay for the new operating rooms.
“It is really important we have the supports to attract doctors and nurses and the staff along with the equipment to ensure Manitobans have the support that is needed when they are in times of need,” said Jonathon Lyon, president and CEO of the HSC Foundation.
The two new rooms are located on either side of an MRI suite. The MRI can be used while a patient is undergoing surgery.
Doctors said this configuration is invaluable for people who have brain injuries, multiple sclerosis and aneurysms.
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“We are able to do more, do it better, and we can offer better outcomes for patients and improve survival,” said Dr. Neil Berrington, the head of neurosurgery at HSC.
The MRI can provide up-to-the-minute medical imaging. When a patient has a tumour, it will help determine how much needs to be removed.
HSC said it is the only facility in Canada with this setup.
It has a price tag of $25 million. The federal government contributed $10 million with donors adding another $10.3 million. HSC is continuing to fundraise to pay for the rest.
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