Surrey Memorial Hospital is expanding interventional radiology services to enhance patient care and outcomes with two new suites.
The opening of Surrey Memorial Hospital's new interventional radiology (IR) suite in 2021 marked the beginning of a journey toward expanded health services that continues to this day with the addition of two new suites now under construction.
"The opening of the new suite in 2021 represented a significant advancement in our ability to deliver cutting-edge interventional radiology services," says Dr. Behrang Homayoon, local department head of Medical Imaging. "The technology allows us to perform complex procedures with unprecedented precision, improving patient care and outcomes."
Interventional radiology uses minimally invasive procedures and image-guided techniques to treat conditions like early-stage cancer, vascular or respiratory diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, urological issues and more. These innovative procedures use real-time imaging techniques, including X-ray, ultrasound, CT, and MRI, to aid specialists in performing precise procedures through millimetre-sized incisions, reducing the need for open surgery when appropriate.
Interventional radiology enables same-day discharge for many patients, reducing recovery times and improving patient experiences. The department plays a vital role in stabilizing critically ill patients, reducing wait times and, in some cases, preventing hospital admissions, all of which go toward supporting Canada's busiest emergency department.
Surrey Memorial Hospital also provides interventional oncology services within the interventional radiology suite, including a state-of-the-art liver cancer treatment called radioembolization. This minimally invasive treatment delivers radioactive particles into tumours through a catheter in the liver's blood supply, destroying cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue.
Beyond radioembolization, the hospital provides thermal ablation (microwave ablation and cryoablation) and non-thermal irreversible electroporation (IRE) procedures that add to other tools used in the treatment of well-selected early-stage cancers.
"Bringing radioembolization and IRE to Surrey Memorial is more than just advancing treatment—it’s about offering hope, precision, and care where it’s needed most. We’re excited to grow interventional oncology here, working hand in hand with BC Cancer Surrey in its battle with cancer, one procedure at a time," says Dr. Pedro Lourenço, Interventional Radiology medical lead for Surrey Memorial Hospital and Jim Pattison Outpatient Care and Surgery Centre.
In addition to interventional oncology procedures, the interventional team performs urgent procedures such as large bore thrombectomy for pulmonary embolism. This procedure that rapidly removes life-threatening clots from the lungs.
Currently, the hospital has one IR suite with limited pre- and post-procedure beds. By 2025, it will have three IR suites and 16 pre- and post-procedure beds, significantly increasing its ability to perform complex procedures. The expansion will include two air isolation rooms, a bariatric room, two landing bays, a care team, and a medication room where patients receive the care they need in one place.
"The new space will provide the resources to allow timely access to diagnosis and treatment and will have a large impact on reducing current wait times,” says Interventional Radiology supervisor Erin Batke.
With state-of-the-art technology, an expanding team, and a commitment to innovation, Surrey Memorial Hospital continues to be a leader in interventional radiology, ensuring people in the community have access to the most advanced treatments available today.
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The initiatives underway at Surrey Memorial Hospital are part of the 30 priority actions that make up only one aspect of a regional strategy to enhance health care in Surrey. The broader regional strategy also includes a new medical school at Simon Fraser University, a new hospital and BC Cancer Centre in Cloverdale and expanded community-based services.
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