Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation

In the 21st century, so much of healthcare is driven by technology and staying on the leading edge of treatment options. The cardiology team at the CK Hui Heart Centre is keen to reside on that leading edge.

For more than 50 years, cardiologists at the Royal Alexandra Hospital have been considered leaders in their field, advancing the science of cardiology through innovative treatment, bold thinking, and the quick adoption of new medical technology.

Intravascular Ultrasound

Dr. Neil Brass demonstrates IVUS technology to donors Gail and Raymond Barnes at the CK Hui Heart Centre.

The latest technology to make a difference in patient care at the CK Hui Heart Centre is Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS). IVUS sends ultrasound waves through tiny catheters that have been inserted into a patient’s coronary arteries. These ultrasound waves show cardiologists, with an exciting new clarity, the severity of blockages in the arteries. The result is a better understanding of how to properly clear the blockage – a specialty for the CK Hui Heart Centre team.

“IVUS allows us to see a coronary artery from the inside out,” explains Dr. Neil Brass, a cardiologist at the CK Hui Heart Centre. “We get a unique point-of-view picture – generated in real time – that gives us information that goes beyond what is possible with routine imaging methods. When we use IVUS, we get more accurate measurements of the artery and ensure a better outcome for clearing the blockage.”

“IVUS allows us to see a coronary artery from the inside out. We get a unique point-of-view picture – generated in real time – that gives us information that goes beyond what is possible with routine imaging methods.”

- DR. NEIL BRASS, CARDIOLOGIST.

It was gratitude for expert heart care that made the purchase of IVUS possible. Edmonton couple Gail and Raymond Barnes have both been patients at the CK Hui Heart Centre and continue to receive ongoing cardiac care at the facility. Their experience inspired them to make a leading gift for the purchase of IVUS in appreciation for the treatment they received.

“I first made the decision to donate in the Emergency Department!” says Raymond with a laugh. “Both Gail and I have received tremendous care at the CK Hui Heart Centre every step of the way, but we really wanted to make the gift for the next patient.”

For more than 50 years, cardiologists at the Royal Alexandra Hospital have been considered leaders in their field, advancing the science of cardiology through innovative treatment, bold thinking, and the quick adoption of new medical technology.

The Barnes’ leading gift towards IVUS was bolstered by a generous donation from Syncrude. Over the past 20 years, Syncrude and their employees have been leaders in corporate philanthropy, providing broad support for the Royal Alexandra Hospital and its programs.

Gail and Raymond may not personally benefit from IVUS technology for their own heart conditions, but they are gratified to know that the system is there to help other patients when it’s needed.

“We’ve learned that this new technology will help a lot of people, and that makes our donation very satisfying,” says Gail.