THUNDER BAY, ON, March 23, 2008 ~  Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) celebrated 20 years of Cardiac Catheterizations in Northwestern Ontario.   Present members of the TBRHSC Cardiac Catheterization Team, along with members of the original team of 1988 were on hand to mark the occasion.

Backgound:

Cardiac catheterization is a procedure during which a catheter (a thin flexible tube) is passed into the right or left side of the heart. In general, this procedure is performed to obtain diagnostic information about the heart or its blood vessels or to provide treatment in certain types of heart conditions.

Since February, 1988, approximately 18,000 patients have received cardiac catheterization services in Thunder Bay.  In fact, more patients have been served at facilities in Thunder Bay than at any other centre with a diagnostic-only lab, saving patients the need to travel for diagnosis. 

Cardiologist and "Foundaing Father" of the Cardiac Catheterization Lab in Thunder Bay Dr. Chris Lai (centre) celebrates 20 years of catheterizations with members of the original Cath Lab team Maureen Caccamo (left) and Marcella Uhryniuk (right). 

• With our initial Cardiac Catheterization equipment, we were able to serve 4,000 patients in the first   nine years.
• In 1997, with new equipment, we served 1000 patients per year.
• Since 2003, 1,500 patients per year have been able to turn to us for service.
• The success of the local Cardiac Catheterization program led to the development of the first Visiting    Cardiac Surgical Clinic Model in Ontario, which became a model for other hospitals.
• In October 2007, Northwestern Ontario’s first Angioplasties were performed here in the Thunder  Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre’s Cardiac Catheterization Lab.

This strong history paved the path for a bright future for TBRHSC.  New developments are underway to expand services and begin yet another exciting era for cardiac care at TBRHSC.  Currently, 250 patients per year can receive the life-saving Angioplasty procedure at TBRHSC.   A second Cardiac Catheterization Lab will expand the number of patients served to over 500 per year. 

The Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation has contributed millions of dollars towards vital cardiac equipment, making advances in cardiac care possible.  Our Foundation is committed to raising an additional $1.5 million to equip the second Cardiac Catheterization Lab and save lives with Angioplasty close to home.  To date, approximately $675,800.00 has been raised. 

Help save hearts with Angioplasty close to home!  To make a donation, contact the Health Sciences Foundation at 807-684-7107 or www.tbrhsf.net.