The Centre hospitalier universitaire veterinaire (CHUV) of the Universite de Montreal’s faculty of veterinary medicine recently opened its new Centre of Excellence in Interventional Medicine (CEMI).

Located in CHUV’s small animal hospital, the CEMI features a comprehensive suite equipped with a fluoroscopy table with a C-Arm for precise imaging, a sophisticated monitoring system, and an integrated anesthesia system. This cutting-edge infrastructure facilitates minimally invasive procedures, often eliminating the need for incisions, ensuring minimal pain and discomfort for patients, and allowing for same-day discharge.

Dr. Marilyn Dunn, professor at the faculty of veterinary medicine, says, “The CEMI will allow for a greater number of patients to be treated and provide a unique training experience for veterinary students servicing a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic options involving the respiratory, cardiovascular, and urinary systems.”

Daniel Jutras, rector of the Universite de Montreal, further elaborates, “Here, we learn to use the tools of tomorrow, to carry out the interventions of tomorrow.”

Notably, the CEMI expands treatment horizons to encompass advanced non-invasive cardiovascular procedures, including angiography of complex cardiac anomalies and advanced interventional surgeries. CHUV’s neurology, surgery, zoological medicine, and dentistry services will also have access to the CEMI.

The centre’s development was facilitated by a $1 million donation from Royal Canin Canada and a $200,000 donation from Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Canada Inc.