Today the Minister for Health Chris Fearne and Neurosurgeon Ludvig Zrinzo launched a new `Brain Lab' at Mater Dei Hospital.

The Minister said the Brain Lab has been made possible through Government funding amounting to € 350,000. "This machine now means that a tumor can be removed from the brain minimising possible damage to other areas," said Minister Fearne.

He explained that the Brain Lab equipment allows more precise navigation through the brain to locate the tumor, meaning that the surgeon does not have to carry out such invasive surgery. This should also mean that the patient has much less chance of complications.

Ludvig Zrinzo said he had previously operated on Maltese patients in a London hospital.. "Today through this investment these operations are carried out in Malta itself." He added that some 30 patients have already made use of this machine since it started operating six months ago.

Minister Fearne said that this is also beneficial for patients, who had before been sent to London for the tests and operation, but now can now remain in Malta with their families.

Photograph: DOI/Jason Borg

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