Institute Firsts

Canadian first at the Interventional Cardiology Symposium
Live use of new imaging technology

As part of the 19th Interventional Cardiology Symposium, Drs. Serge Doucet and Richard Gallo used an all-new imaging technology during a procedure carried out live from the Montreal Heart Institute (MHI). More than 450 participants from 25 countries were on hand to witness this Canadian first, as the Symposium opened with high-definition images from this leading-edge system projected onto giant screens.

Since May 19, 2010, Dr. Serge Doucet, cardiologist and chief of interventional cardiology at the MHI, associate professor in the faculty of medicine at the Université de Montréal, and holder of the Yves Des Groseillers and André Bérard Chair in Interventional Cardiology, and Dr. Richard Gallo, interventional cardiologist and associate professor in the faculty of medicine at the Université de Montréal, have been able to visualize arteries like never before thanks to a new technology called Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). OCT consists of an optical fibre equipped with an infrared light that makes it possible to capture very precise images of the inside of the coronary artery. A product of the company LigthLab, this high-resolution imaging system lets clinicians carry out more in-depth assessments, thus improving the diagnosis of heart diseases.

New arythmia procedure for patients who do not respond to traditional treatments

Team that performed the first procedure for arythmia patients.  Front row, l. to r.: Réda Ibrahim and Rainer Schräder; 2nd row, l. to r.: Drs. Erick Horlick, John Webb, Antoine Rochon, Arsène Basmadjian, Patrick Garceau and Hasan Jilaihawi

On November 25, 2009, a multidisciplinary team from the Montreal Heart Institute (MHI) performed its first minimally invasive catheter implantation of the Amptlazer® Cardiac Plug, which closes the left atrium appendage of the heart to prevent the formation of blood clots.

This new procedure dramatically reduces risks of open-heart surgery and is excellent news for patients suffering from atrial fibrillation, the most common form of cardiac arrhythmia, affecting at least 5% of Canadians over the age of 70.

Given its volume of activity and expertise in treating cardiovascular diseases, the MHI has been chosen to serve as a training centre for American cardiologists testing the prosthesis for approval by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA). The training program began in early 2010.

New Website for professional development in cardiovascular health
Thanks to funding from the MHIF, the Institute’s teaching division launched a French-language website (www.dpc.icm-mhi.org) to support professional development by providing a forum for networking among professionals and viewing scientific conferences. It is among the first knowledge transfer websites for Frenchspeaking professionals in cardiology.

Techonological improvements in radiology
A technological up-grade to the MHI’s multislice cardiovascular CT-scanner has reduced patient exposure to radiation by 70%. This ultra-sophisticated scanner achieves unparalleled anatomical coverage of the heart while being much safer for patients.

Healthy lifestyle programs a success
As the principal partner in the 5/30 Health Challenge, the Quit to Win! Challenge and the Smoke-Free Family program, the MHI once again encouraged Quebecers to adopt this winning recipe for a healthy lifestyle. Thousands turned out to register.