RCH’s list of priority equipment needs in 2008/2009 was purchased thanks to the generosity of donors. Key equipment items included:
- Operating table with hydraulic and manual systems for raising and lowering the patient
- Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump to increase blood flow to the heart muscle and decreases the heart’s workload (up to 20%) during open-heart surgery
- Nerve Integrity Monitor to allow the OR team to hear and identify small EMG signals to help minimize nerve manipulation during surgery