MGH Otolaryngology first in Quebec to purchase sophisticated technology

Over two days last week, MUHC Otorhinolaryngologist Dr. Karen Kost and clinic staff of the MGH Otolaryngology Department showed off their newly acquired state-of-the-art equipment—the first healthcare centre in Quebec to acquire this sophisticated technology. The purchase of the Olympus high resolution digital endoscopes, with working ports and integrated database, was made possible through a generous donation by the Montreal General Hospital’s Auxiliary. The much anticipated equipment is the latest in 'chip-tip' technology in which the camera is integrated into the tip of a flexible scope. 

“The image resolution is superb, and the images are seen on a high resolution screen rather than through the small eyepiece of a scope,” says Dr. Kost. “With this new technology, everyone in the room can see the image, and individual images can be saved for later review, study, or comparison of 'pre' and 'post' treatment results.” 

According to Dr. Kost, this technology is also useful for patient education and compliance as images can be reviewed and explained. Teaching residents and medical students also becomes much easier and more effective because the high resolution image is projected onto a 19” flat screen. Finally, the technology is ideal for facilitating out-patient procedures such as vocal fold augmentation procedures (a procedure used to immediately improve voice quality in patients with vocal fold paralysis which causes severs hoarseness). 

“The ultimate result is better patient care,” says Dr. Kost. “We are extremely grateful to the Auxiliary of the MGH for making the purchase of this equipment possible.”