"The best surgeons in the world can work within an eighth of an inch. NeuroArm makes it possible for surgeons to work accurately within the width of a hair," Doc Seaman says. "This will put us on the world stage and will help attract more top people in medicine and surgery, which will benefit the university and the community as a whole."
"This is a shining example of Canadian science making breakthroughs that will improve quality of life for people in Canada and around the globe," says President and CEO of the Canada Foundation for Innovation Dr. Eliot Phillipson. "This world-class project will further develop Canada's international reputation as a place where outstanding research is being conducted."
"Our mission is to be a leader in health and a partner in care. Patient care and safety are always our number one priority," says Davis. "We are thrilled that the neuroArm will improve recovery and wait times for patients, and most of all, improve their quality of life following surgery so they can get back to daily life activities."
The Seaman family's donation, combined with funding from Western Economic Diversification Canada, allowed for detailed planning and design of the project. That set the stage for substantial support from the Canada Foundation for Innovation, the National Research Council of Canada, Alberta Advanced Education and Technology, Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research and additional philanthropists to build the one-of-a-kind machine and create a comprehensive medical robotics program.
A global search for robotics expertise led Sutherland to MDA, a perfect fit for neuroArm because of the company's background in creating specialized space robots, used aboard NASA space shuttles and the International Space Station.
"NeuroArm is a great fit for us, allowing us to apply our world-renowned space solutions to medical applications that will benefit patients here on Earth," says Bruce Mack,
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Contact: Grady Semmens
gsemmens@ucalgary.ca
403-220-7722
University of Calgary
17-Apr-2007