A new state-of-the-art hybrid endovascular theatre to treat complex vascular conditions such as aortic aneurysms and chronic limb threatening ischaemia has been developed at Galway University Hospitals (UHG and Merlin Park ).
The new theatre contains high specification imaging equipment which provides superior quality images and a large field-of-view to the surgical team.
This theatre imaging system enables the surgical team to clearly visualise the smallest vessels and devices during procedures, either static or in motion, and in challenging situations.
The surgeon can plan, implement, and confirm the success of the surgical procedure before the patient leaves the theatre. The system is completely motorised which allows the surgeon to work in a better-controlled environment and focus entirely on the patient.
Professor Stewart Walsh, a consultant vascular surgeon and the clinical lead for the hybrid theatre, said he was delighted to be part of the team which brought the hybrid theatre to Galway University Hospitals.
"With this technology and equipment we can conduct both open and non-invasive (keyhole ) vascular surgeries with a high level of accuracy and can facilitate 400 to 500 procedures per year in the new theatre.
"The new GE Allia hybrid system allows patients to have complex keyhole procedures in less time with much less radiation and X-ray dye, reducing their risk of skin and kidney damage. It is a huge step forward for vascular patients."
Chris Kane, the general manager of Galway University Hospitals (GUH ) stated that as it is the Level 4 hospital in the Saolta University Health Care Group, it treats patients from a large geographical area along the west and north-west coast.
"The development of a new theatre for specialised vascular surgery here in Galway enables our patients to benefit from new technology in order to improve their health outcomes."
The vascular unit at GUH is a tertiary referral surgical centre providing vascular services to the Saolta Group, which runs seven public hospitals on five sites in Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo, and Donegal. The group covers a population of about 800,000 people.
The vascular unit utilises a "hub and spoke" model for outpatients and venous interventions, providing clinics and day theatre sessions in Roscommon, Sligo, and Merlin Park University Hospitals.
