Earlier this year, the first patient was successfully treated using VGH’s revolutionary new spine robot. The robot is just one of the latest technological advancements made possible by donors like you.

“We’re one of the first in the country to acquire this robot,” says Dr. Nicolas Dea, division head of the Combined Neurosurgery & Orthopaedic Spine Program at VGH. “With this technology, we will be able to improve spinal care in multiple fields, including oncology, spinal deformity, trauma and spinal cord injury. This robot will take spinal care in BC to the next level.”

As a world-renowned spine surgeon, Dr. Dea knows a thing or two about transformative care. His expertise in spinal oncology and spinal cord injury has captured the attention of global medical communities. He has also earned prestigious accolades, including being named one of the top 20 spine specialists under 40 in North America in 2020.

As Dr. Dea explains, traditional spine surgeries typically involve large incisions, with surgeons needing to detach muscles from the spine to gain better access. It can be a highly invasive procedure for patients, resulting in extended hospital stays and recovery times. The robot changes all of this.

The spine robot has a profound impact on both the preoperative stage and during the surgery itself. It enables the spine team to create a 3D virtual blueprint of each patient’s anatomy, giving surgeons an unparalleled view of the target area before surgery even begins. And then, its incredible precision makes for minimally invasive procedures—which in turn leads to improved patient outcomes, faster recovery, shorter hospital stays, reduced pain—and reduced wait times for future patients.

It takes an extraordinary leader with a bold vision to guide a division to new heights. But it also takes the support of thoughtful and generous donors like you to help make a vision become a reality. And the impact of donors on spinal care at VGH – and by extension, in BC and beyond – cannot be overstated.

“Without philanthropy, acquiring this technology would not be possible,” says Dr. Dea. “It is 100% donor-funded and we’re so lucky to have the help of amazing donors that support the investment in such technologies. It plays a crucial role in advancing health care in BC.”

VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation partners with donors to fuel groundbreaking research, cutting-edge technology, and life-saving care benefitting everyone in BC. To donate, visit vghfoundation.ca/ways-to-give.