Winnipeg hospital gets cyclotron

Winnipeg's medical community got a huge shot in the arm Monday with the opening of adevice that sounds like it comes from science fiction.

The cyclotron, aparticle acceleratorthat produces radioisotopes, will double the medical diagnostic capabilities at the Health Sciences Centre.

Radioisotopes are used for positron emission tomography, or PET, an imaging technology that allows examination of biochemical processesin the brain, heart, liver, tumours and muscle tissue, according to the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.

In addition, the $5 million cyclotron enables researchersto explore and develop new applications for diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as Alzheimer's and congestive heart failure.

"Investments in health research and technology are essential to create a competitive, vibrant Manitoba," Manitoba Health Minister Theresa Oswald said in a news release. "Attracting and retaining the best and brightest minds depends on tools like these."

Located at the hospital'sKleysen Institute for Advanced Medicine,the cyclotron eliminatesthe uncertainty health officials had in obtaining radioisotopes from Alberta and provides one more source for the nuclear material that has been in short worldwide supplyin recent years.

Until now, the Health Sciences Centre received its radioisotopesfrom Edmonton, the nearest cyclotron. Every dayan airplane with oneday's supply of the imaging radioisotopes would arrive before noon, according to the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.

The isotopes have a half-life ranging from two minutes to 110 minutes, so they have to be flown in daily otherwise theywon't be effective.

Butif the plane's flight is cancelled or delayed, no delivery is possible and diagnosis and treatments for patients are delayed.

The on-site cyclotron changes all that, thehealth authority said.

"We were thrilled the day the planes were grounded, so to speak," said Dr. Sandor Demeter, medical director ofdiagnostic imaging atthe Health Sciences Centre.

"Now that we can produce the radioisotopes on site, we don't have to worry about weather or shipment delays, so we can provide a more patient-friendly experience, particularly for people who have travelled a long way for these tests."