Progress

Close-up of three doctors wearing blue surgical scrubs performing keyhole surgery.

As donors step forward with support for Operation Excellence, HSC is in a position to start purchasing and deploying new, state-of-the-art surgical and diagnostic equipment, and developing new spaces for surgery and patient care. Follow this page to learn more about some of the developments made possible by your support.

Upgrading equipment, spaces, and systems

StealthStation S8 Surgical Navigation System (for Neurosurgery)

Prior to the development of these types of navigation systems, neurosurgeons relied on crude landmarks on the scalp and skull to localize regions of the brain and find brain tumours, vascular malformations, and other brain lesions. The StealthStation S8 System allows neurosurgeons to pinpoint the location of even the smallest, deepest abnormalities in the brain by merging MRI and CT imaging with the patient. In this way, the StealthStation S8 acts as a kind of “GPS for the brain”, allowing for less invasive, safer surgery and reducing the risk of complications.

Posted: February 9, 2023

Technology

Argon Plasma Generator (for Thoracic Surgery)

This device produces ionized argon gas that passes through an electrical charge to create plasma. The plasma is directed at the surgical site using a special probe to achieve multiple functions such as controlling bleeding or unblocking obstructing tumours, as well as removing cancerous tissues. The benefits include a reduced risk of infection, less bleeding, and better healing through minimally invasive endoscopic methods. For HSC's thoracic surgeons, the argon plasma generator will allow greater surgical precision with no cuts and help prevent injury during sensitive procedures.

Posted: February 9, 2023

Technology

Five Leica Microscopes (for Plastic Surgery)

These high-powered microscopes will allow HSC’s plastic surgeons to have the best possible field of visualization during delicate procedures such as breast reconstruction following breast cancer surgeries, and intricate surgeries to repair hands after injury. With this equipment, HSC’s surgeons will also be able to use indocyanine green technology to help visualize blood flow.

Posted: February 9, 2023

Technology

Surgical Waitlist and Information Management (SWIM) System

Part of the Novari Access to Care (ATC) Software Platform, SWIM is a robust and sophisticated digital system that better aligns patient needs with available surgical resources. The system provides administrators and surgeons with a more accurate assessment of which patients are ready for surgery and which surgeons are available. SWIM has been purchased and implementation is well advanced. Once SWIM is fully implemented in the spring of 2023 , surgical waitlists will be reduced as the system automatically identifies scheduling gaps and opportunities.

Posted: February 9, 2023

Technology

Help us deliver tomorrow’s health care, today.

The investments we make today will ensure a tradition of surgical excellence and innovation for ourselves, our children, and our grandchildren.

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