fbpx

The Future of Neurosurgery: How Neuro Navigation Helps Save Lives


In the photo, left to right: Wallace Denver; Stephanie Riddell, President & CEO, MGH Foundation; Dr. Judith Marcoux; Louise Toupin; Ann Birks; Susan Nichol, representing Michael Boyd; Audrey Scott; Dr. David Hornstein; Gina Steszyn, Major Gifts Development Officer, MGH Foundation. Absent: Beverly Lun

“I was going in blind,” describes Dr. Judith Marcoux, Medical Director of the Neurotrauma Program at the Montreal General Hospital (MGH-MUHC), referring to the way she and other surgeons had to find their way to insert a pressure-relieving catheter into the brain of injured patients. Now, thanks to the purchase of a neuro navigation unit for the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the MGH, as part of The Future of Surgery initiative, neurosurgeons can quickly and non-invasively map out and plan that procedure, known as an external ventricular drain (EVD).  

Research done at the MUHC using the Medtronic StealthStation S8 demonstrated that this procedure could now be done optimally virtually every single time, whereas the classic or “blind” method was optimally performed only two-thirds of the time. This is crucial to patients’ well-being since each failed attempt puts the patient at risk of new brain injuries. 

Traumatic brain injuries can affect motor skills, speech, vision, hearing or even changes in personality. The most seriously injured patients who suffer such an injury anywhere south of the TransCanada Highway or in Northern Quebec are sent to the MGH-MUHC.  When a patient comes in with such an injury surgeons must relieve brain swelling as quickly as possible. “It’s my role as a neurosurgeon to remove the surplus blood and make space for the brain to heal,” explains Dr. Marcoux, who was the first Canadian trained in neurotrauma.  

The new neuro navigation unit improves patient safety and outcomes. Thanks to donations from generous donors Ann Birks, Michael Boyd, Wallace Denver, Beverly Lun, Audrey Scott and Louise Toupin, the team at the MGH ICU unit will be able to focus on saving lives. Together, they are transforming healthcare! 

The Future of Surgery: Dr. Liane Feldman
Monday February 20th, 2023

Surgery is a major, potentially life-changing event that can drastically improve a patient’s quality of life. At the Montreal General Hospital alone, 10,000 patients underwent surgery every year pre-pandemic. And of course, the number of people needing surgery is on the rise. Annie DeMelt interviews Dr. Liane Feldman, Surgeon-in-Chief, MUHC about a 10-year plan to …

Annual Report

+ DOWNLOAD OUR REPORT

DOWNLOAD OUR REPORT
read
Dr. Liane Feldman: Shaping the Future of Surgery, Today
Tuesday 16 May 2023
read
Two New State-Of-The-Art Hybrid Operating Rooms Now in Service at the MGH
Wednesday 29 November 2023
read
Let’s Talk About Traumatic Brain Injuries
Wednesday 17 March 2021
read
A Night of Magic Raises $395,000 for IBD Care
Monday 25 November 2024
read
Celebrating Research and Philanthropy at the MGHF’s Impact & Innovation Evening  
Wednesday 30 October 2024
read
Dr. Ahmed Aoude’s Groundbreaking Surgeries and AI Research Save Lives
Friday 13 September 2024
read
Four Startups Selected for the MGH Foundation’s Impact Investment Program
Thursday 1 August 2024
read
The 45th Annual Golf Classic
Wednesday 19 June 2024
read
A Generous Donation from BMO to Advance Research in Mental Health, Trauma Care, and Thoracic Surgery
Wednesday 12 June 2024
read
Together, We Raised Over $180,000 for Mental Health at the Pharmaprix Run for Women!
Monday 10 June 2024
read
RI-MUHC Building Named in Honour of Dr. Phil Gold
Thursday 6 June 2024
read
The Montreal General Hospital Foundation has a brand new look!
Monday 6 May 2024
read
Honouring Margery Trenholme: The Librarian Who Left a Lasting Legacy of Generosity
Tuesday 2 April 2024