A NEW diagnostic machine for congenital heart disease will allow cardiologists at the Mater hospital in Dublin to make a diagnosis in real time using 3D images.
The machine is less invasive for the patient than other diagnostic tools, and helps the cardiologist to better understand defects and plan their surgical repair.
The €155,000 machine was unveiled by Fine Gael TD Paschal Donohoe at the Maurice Neligan Congenital Heart Clinic yesterday.
It was acquired by Heart Children Ireland, a voluntary support group for those affected by congenital heart disorders, with the help of bank services firm Certus and Kilmihil GAA club in Co Clare.
Heart Children Ireland chief executive Margaret Roger said the machine was a positive step in the organisation’s ongoing commitment to the young adult congenital unit at the Mater.
Consultant cardiologist Kevin Walsh said the hospital was grateful to the organisation for funding the machine.