Gifts to the Queen’s Fund have a deep impact on students’ Queen’s experience and patient care.

Recently, an extremely innovative procedure was performed by Queen’s researchers, Dr. Gianluigi Bisleri (cardiac surgeon) and Dr. Benedict Glover (cardiologist) – Canada’s first hybrid cardiac ablation. This revolutionary surgery corrects the most common irregular heart rhythm, atrial fibrillation, which leads to an unusually rapid heartbeat and a significant increase in the risk of stroke.

This procedure is for patients who have tried multiple treatment options and are still experiencing very frequent and severe episodes.
For the estimated 1 in 4 Canadians over the age of 40 at risk of developing atrial fibrillation each year, the hybrid procedure is monumental in transforming treatment. Instead of opening the chest as in traditional ablation procedures, the hybrid requires only 3 small incisions to navigate to the heart, resulting in less invasive surgery, shorter procedural time as well as improved long-term success.

Thanks to donor support, Queen’s is able to provide the resources that give students the chance to work with faculty and sustain the innovation needed to make incredible discoveries.

“I hope to follow in the steps of Dr. Bisleri and Dr. Glover and one day create real change in the field of cardiology. When you make your gift, students like me continue on the path of excellence to fulfill our dreams.Your support matters.” – Kathryn Lauren Hong, Artsci '17, MSc candidate Biomedical and Molecular Sciences