Queensway acquires high-powered cardiology ultrasound

OTTAWA – Queensway Carleton Hospital is the second hospital in Canada to receive new state-of-the-art cardiac ultrasound technology. The anatomically intelligent devices arrived at the end of 2016 and are now fully operable, serving patients in Queensway Carleton Hospital’s Cardiopulmonary department.

The new machines, manufactured by Philips, combine advanced ultrasound technology with a powerful cardiac software solution. Together, the cutting edge technology has the power to generate real-time, high quality imaging in 2D and 3D/4D planes. The benefit: physicians are now able to view real-time, high resolution images of areas of the heart that have been historically very difficult to view, and at a level of detail previously unattained.

For patients, it means faster and, most importantly, more accurate diagnoses. “Traditionally, we were limited by exclusively black and white 2D images, but with our new technology we can use enhanced 2D as well as 3D/4D imaging to give us more clarity of the cardiac anatomy,” said Dan Locke, manager of the cardiopulmonary department at Queensway Carleton Hospital.

“For cancer patients and stroke patients in particular, we can better diagnose and better observe what’s going on in every area of the heart. It’s a big advantage for their care. And we’re excited about that.”

QCH cardiologist and lab medical director, Dr. Behnam Banihashemi (pictured) welcomed the new advancements. “This new technology has the capability to place our echocardiography laboratory amongst the very best in Canada. We are able to visualize cardiac structures with an unprecedented resolution, allowing us to diagnose and characterize various cardiac diseases much more accurately and effectively. This directly improves patient outcomes,” said Dr. Banihashemi.

“The new technology will eventually enable us to share our images remotely with colleagues across the province, ultimately translating into more comprehensive care for our patients. It’s a very exciting time in the history of QCH.”

The purchase of the equipment is made possible through the generous support of the QCH community. With the Irving Greenberg Family Cancer Centre next door, and over 400,000 people making up the Queensway Carleton Hospital community, it’s anticipated that the devices will serve nearly 4,000 patients annually. It’s a welcome addition to the West Ottawa community.

About Queensway Carleton Hospital

Queensway Carleton Hospital is a patient and family-centred hospital providing a broad range of acute care services to the people of Ottawa and the Ottawa Valley. Employing over 2,000 healthcare professionals, the 264-bed, Queensway Carleton Hospital is the referral centre for the Ottawa Valley. Hospital staff focuses on maintaining and enhancing their cornerstone programs – Emergency, Critical Care, Childbirth, Geriatrics, Mental Health, Rehabilitation, Medical and Surgical Services. Grounded on an environment of lifelong learning, Queensway Carleton Hospital is a teaching partner with the University of Ottawa Faculty Of Medicine and other healthcare programs and is committed to delivering a new standard of care for our community.