Saskatoon hospital aims to acquire neurosurgical robot

SASKATOON – A million-dollar campaign is under way to bring a leading-edge, neurosurgical robot to Saskatoon’s Royal University Hospital. The device offers a chance at a better quality of life for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy.

Royal University Hospital Foundation recently announced the launch of a campaign to raise $1.2 million for the neurosurgical robot and deep brain imaging guidance technology for RUH.

The hospital is home to the provincial referral centre for epilepsy, investigation, treatment, and is the only seizure investigation unit in Saskatchewan.

The innovative surgeon-assisted robotic system, which is minimally invasive, would enable surgeons to precisely map seizure locations deep within the brain.

“The acquisition of the neurosurgical robotic system highlights our continued dedication to exceptional seizure care for patients by equipping surgeons with the latest, most advanced technology,” said Dr. Michael Kelly (pictured), provincial head of surgery for the Saskatchewan Health Authority and University of Saskatchewan.

Kelly said the robotic system can provide insights that at one time were impossible to obtain and will help significantly enhance the quality of seizure care in Saskatchewan.

About 12,000 Saskatchewan residents live with epilepsy. While most can control their seizures with medications, approximately 30 per cent – or nearly 4,000 patients – have drug-resistant epilepsy, in which they don’t respond to standard anti-seizure medications.

Saskatoon philanthropist Merlis Belsher and family helped kick off the campaign with a pledge of $700,000 to help bring the new robotic technology to RUH. The gift includes a dollar-for-dollar match of all donations received up to $600,000, as well as an additional $100,000 to help move forward the neurosurgical robotic program at RUH.

RUH Foundation CEO Jennifer Molloy said the organization is thankful for the financial support, and for working alongside the province to ensure the hospital has what it needs to support patients.

Working with the provincial government and Saskatchewan Health Authority, “we are ensuring that RUH continues to have the resources needed to perform its role as the largest hospital in Saskatchewan, providing some of the most seriously ill patients with the most complex, critical care in the province,” Molloy said.

Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill thanked the Belsher family for their financial support.

“This state of-the-art assistance unit, along with the specialized training of healthcare professionals, will greatly enhance care for individuals with neurological conditions and ensure that Saskatchewan epilepsy patients receive world class care, right here at home,” Cockrill said.

The people operating the robotic system require specialized training. RUH neurosurgeon Dr. Amit Persad, who trained at the U of S College of Medicine, is currently at Western University in London, Ont., supported by a fellowship grant from RUH Foundation, acquiring the skills to operate the robot.

Persad said the new technology will make a real difference for people.

“Patients who have struggled with seizure control or who have had to go out of province for care will be able to receive their procedures at RUH in line with world-class standard of care practices.”

Source: Star Phoenix