Welcome to our lab's story, a journey of innovation, growth, and dedication to improving patient care. From winning prestigious awards to integrating advanced dental technologies into our surgical planning, we have come a long way. Let’s take a look back at some of our key milestones and exciting developments.
⭐️ 2019: A Year of Recognition and Innovation
In 2019, we achieved a significant milestone by winning the Audience Choice Bradshaw Prize of $50,000 at the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation's Innovators’ Challenge. Our project at that time, Real-Time Reconstruction, which preceded our Virtual Surgical Planning (VSP) 3-D surgical cutting guide, first gained attention for its potential to transform head and neck cancer surgeries. This innovative tool uses an automated algorithm to create precise, patient-specific reconstruction plans, addressing the complexities of these challenging surgeries.
Photo of VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation 2019 Innovators' Challenge.
The Complexity of Head and Neck Surgeries
Head and neck cancers, especially those that start in the oral cavity and spread to any type of bone, present significant difficulties for surgeons when addressing them head on in the operating room. Advanced cases often require intricate surgeries to remove diseased bone and tissue from the jaw or cheek. These surgeries leave large defects that need reconstruction. Traditionally, surgeons take bone from the patient’s calf or shoulder, reshape it to fit the defect, and sew it onto the artery or vein in the neck. Inadequate reconstructions can lead to fractures, difficulty chewing and swallowing, and facial disfigurement.
Our lab’s Real Time Reconstruction project addresses these challenges with a 3-D surgical cutting guide, enhancing precision and improving patient outcomes.
Prisman Lab's 3-D Surgical Cutting Guides.
🌟 Joyce’s Angel Story: From Toothache to Triumph
Fast forward to 2022, our work was featured in a documentary-style YouTube video as part of the Angel Campaign. This campaign, which has raised over $4.5 million since 2001, supports vital research, recruitment, and training of world-class healthcare workers.
Global Heroes excerpts from November 2022 featuring Dr. Prisman and Joyce.
Joyce’s story began with what she thought was just a toothache. Due to the pandemic, she had to wait almost two years to see a specialist, only to discover that her condition was far more serious. Thanks to the advancements made in our lab, including innovative surgical techniques and planning workflows, Joyce’s journey took a turn for the better.
Witness this captivating 3-minute narrative below that encapsulates all the touching moments of the heart.
⭐️ Our Growth and Innovations: 2019-2024
Over the past few years, we have made significant strides in our research and development. Our team has expanded, incorporating advanced technologies and refining our 3-D surgical cutting guides to enhance precision and efficiency. One of our most recent advancements is trying to integrate dental implantation into our surgical planning workflow, collaborating with implant reconstruction specialist Dr. David Yang. This comprehensive approach ensures patients receive both functional and aesthetically pleasing outcomes.
Photos of Dental Implant Workshop in July 2024 - Dr. Yang, Dr. Prisman, Dr. Kürten.
Supporting the Future of Health Care
Thanks to the generous support of our donors, the Angel Campaign continues to make a tremendous impact. Your donations fund vital research, recruit and train healthcare professionals, and equip them with the cutting-edge tools they need to save and improve lives.
Photos of 2024 DHCC ENT Clinic Birthday Celebration & Prisman Lab Research Meeting.
Looking Ahead
Our journey from 2019 to 2024 has been marked by continuous innovation and dedication to improving patient outcomes. We are committed to pushing the boundaries of medical science and transforming healthcare for the better. Your support makes stories like Joyce's possible, and together, we can continue to make a difference.
Thank you for being part of our mission. To stay updated on our latest research and innovations, follow us on Instagram for personal updates and lab member stories, and on LinkedIn for professional collaborations and industry insights.
Together, we are shaping the future of health care, one breakthrough at a time.
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