Interventional Neuroradiology Equipment

During a stroke, every second counts. Each moment a clot blocks blood flow to the brain, a patient loses 2 million brain cells – causing potentially permanent brain damage and loss of function.

The QEII Health Sciences Centre performs over 100 endovascular thrombectomies (EVTs) annually. These life-saving procedures involve threading a tiny catheter into brain arteries to remove stroke-causing blood clots. EVTs demand exceptional skill, speed, confidence and rigorous training. Traditional training involves supervised practice, and eventual solo operations, a process that can bring risk to patients.

Much like pilots learning skills on flight simulators, physicians acquire and refine clinical skills through medical simulation devices. Thanks to generous donors, trainees across Atlantic Canada will now be able to practise performing EVTs in a simulated setting thanks to a $415,000-Mentice digital training device and software funded by the QEII Foundation and Dalhousie University.

This advanced simulation device offers a safe environment for medical trainees to perfect intricate EVTs without risking patient safety. It allows for repetitive practice without the pressure of practicing on a live patient – significantly reducing errors during live surgeries where it counts. Access to this game-changing simulation technology wouldn’t be possible without generous donors.