Page 9 - ACT Annual Review 2023-2024

OUR IMPACT ON

HEART SURGERY

CARDIOPULMONARY GE VIVID IQ SURGICAL

BYPASS CONSOLE ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY UNIT LOUPES

Mitral valve disease is the most common form of heart The GE Vivid IQ is a portable ultrasound machine These state-of-the-art magnifying glasses, equipped with
disease in dogs and the RVC is one of a few centres in and can be transported across the hospital easily, high-resolution recording capabilities, are revolutionising
the world to be able to correct the condition with surgery. allowing for bedside echocardiography to be performed cardiothoracic surgeries, enhancing precision and
Mitral valve disease is a congenital malformation of the in patients that cannot be moved from the ICU for improving patient outcomes.
valve that closes between the left atrium and left ventricle diagnostics. It has become a vital instrument in the day- The loupes, specifically designed for complex
to prevent backflow of blood when the heart beats. When to-day clinical cardiology routine at the QMHA and has cardiothoracic procedures, provide surgeons with
this valve is malformed the heart performs less efficiently become the primary ultrasound machine to conduct daily magnified, detailed views of the surgical field. This
and can enlarge to try to maintain the level of blood flow. echocardiography for both in-patients and out-patients.
increased clarity allows for greater precision during
The aim of surgery is to reduce the volume of leakage The cardiothoracic surgery team performs two mitral delicate operations, such as cardiopulmonary bypasses,
through the valve, and thus enable the heart to work valve repair surgeries per week using the GE Vivid IQ. significantly improving the quality of care. The loupes
efficiently and remodel, towards normal size. To perform The machine provides imaging of the heart through the also feature an integrated camera, enabling surgeons to
the surgery, the heart must be stopped and opened, oesophagus giving a clear view of the structure and review surgeries, refine techniques, and share valuable
and this is when the cardiopulmonary bypass console is function of the heart to help guide the surgical team in insights with colleagues and students.
required to replace the function of the heart and lungs their repair procedure for each patient. Beyond improving surgical outcomes, the recorded
and maintain the circulation of oxygen rich blood to the procedures provide a unique educational resource
body during the procedure.
for veterinary students, offering an in-depth view into
complex surgeries that textbooks simply cannot capture.
The new loupes are a major step forward in both
The surgical loupes have become essential in cardiothoracic veterinary care and clinical research at the RVC.
surgery, offering the precision needed for these complex procedures.

The integrated camera enhances both my skills and our ability to
teach the next generation of veterinarians.

– Dr Matteo Rossanese, RVC Lecturer in Small Animal Surgery

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