Technology: Foundation donates $80,000 in new surgical equipment

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PERTH-ANDOVER - Surgical patients at Hotel Dieu of St. Joseph's Hospital in Perth-Andover will now benefit from the latest in imaging technology, thanks to the local hospital foundation's purchase of new medical-surgical equipment from Olympus Canada.

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robert lafrance/the victoria star

Dr. Jose Morales, head of surgery at Hotel Dieu Hospital, is using the new Olympus Evis Exera II universal imaging platform, thanks to an $80,000 purchase by the Hotel Dieu Hospital Foundation committee. The new equipment is used for minimally invasive surgical procedures.

The new universal imaging platform can be used for both endoscopic observation and minimally invasive surgery in the Perth-Andover hospital's operating room during colonoscopy, upper GI endoscopy, laparoscopy and other procedures.

John Lang, chair of the Hotel Dieu Hospital Foundation committee, said the new equipment purchase was the successful conclusion of a two-year project, and was funded by many smaller projects like raffles, Mother's Day baskets and the annual Light A Memory fund.

"Raising $80,000 is a lot of work but it shows the support local residents have for our hospital," he commented.

Lang said that two years ago hospital administration explained the advantages to the patient and the surgeon of the new HD equipment. Hotel Dieu's surgical suite had 10-year-old equipment, but the foundation decided then to take up the challenge of bringing state-of-the-art, cutting-edge equipment to Perth-Andover's Hospital. It is now installed and working.

The new Evis Exera II universal imaging platform gives physicians a much clearer view of procedures and should help lower operating room costs by eliminating the need to train staff on multiple systems and maintenance procedures.

High definition cameras inside the patient send very detailed, sharp, realistic images to the HD monitor. The increased resolution results from a higher pixel count and density which can help physicians provide patients with more accurate diagnoses. The endoscopy equipment can be used in various locations throughout the hospital. In the operating room, HD laparoscopic surgical equipment helps the surgeon see more clearly.

The foundation is continuing to fund raise in order to add extra features to the universal imaging platform.

"This type of HD equipment is now standard in larger hospitals and our foundation is pleased to provide it for our 34-bed hospital," Lang stated. "It is as exciting as when you see your first HD TV at home. It is logical to use the latest HD technology in hospitals."

Dr. José Morales, head of surgery, is one of the doctors at Hotel Dieu Hospital who is already using the new Olympus universal imaging platform. It is the world's first to deliver both HD and Narrow Band Imaging (NBI) technologies. Dr. Morales is impressed with the superior clarity of the image on the HD monitor. It allows him to do more precise surgical work and have better outcomes for the patient. Also, he says the view on screen is excellent when he is doing endoscopies. He can identify any structures or polyps as he checks the colon, duodenum, stomach, etc.

"The Exera II is an essential tool that I use for cancer prevention with my patients. I recommend a colonoscopy for all patients over 50. The new High Definition equipment helps me do more for my patients."

The platform will also improve surgical training at the local hospital. Olympus is a sponsor of the "Skills Centre for Health Sciences", a state-of-the-art training facility at the QE II Hospital in Halifax. At the skills centre, surgeons master new skills and techniques using the EXERA II universal imaging platform in a virtual operating room setting.

"This advanced, standardized, world class training keeps surgeons current, enhances patient safety and helps Hotel Dieu Hospital recruit and retain top surgical talent," a press release stated.