Improving Heart Health Care

Cardiac care has seen revolutionary advancement in technologies and techniques in the past decade resulting in superior patient outcomes. This innovation continues at a rapid pace and LHSC continues to be a leader, with two Canadian-first cardiac procedures in the last year, and 10 in the last decade. Our mission is to stay at the forefront of cardiac care. We can only succeed with your generous support.

Tab 1

Cardiac Imaging Technology

Catheterization Laboratory

Cardiac catheterization (when a catheter is guided through the body to a patient’s heart) is commonly used for diagnosing and treating heart conditions. This important procedure is dependent upon medical imaging, which allows the physician to see clearly inside the patient’s body – enabling accuracy and safety in making a diagnosis or providing treatment.

Each year at LHSC, we use imaging equipment to complete more than 4,000 cardiac catheterizations. Our goal is to update and expand our equipment with state-of-the-art technology that will enhance diagnostic imaging and at the same time speed the delivery of testing and care for our patients. These investments will ensure our physicians can continue to provide cardiac care that is safer and more precise while expanding this level of care to even more patients each year.

Tab 2

Cardiac Hybrid Operating Room

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ARTIS Pheno Hybrid OR Equipment by Siemens Healthineers

Imagine a heart patient undergoing a routine procedure in a small lab to treat their chest pain. Due to unexpected complications, the patient needs to be rushed to an OR where emergency open-heart surgery is performed, but potential delays in transferring the patient could mean the difference between life and death. That’s why a new environment that combines these two spaces in one unit is essential.

Hybrid ORs are equipped with sophisticated imaging devices, often using what’s called a C-arm which intensifies the output of x-rays, giving even better views to navigate the heart. As the name suggests, Hybrid ORs are also furnished with all the necessary life-saving measures one would find in an operating room.

It’s the ideal setting for high-risk minimally invasive procedures that require complex imaging and may necessitate transitioning to open surgery within minutes. This improves patient care by increasing efficiencies and saving time and health care costs. Most importantly, it minimizes risk to the patient.

Industry experts predict that by 2018, 75 per cent of cardiovascular surgeons will be working in a hybrid operating suite. With generous donor support, LHSC will be a key player in this transition.