Patients no longer need to travel abroad for aneurysm surgery
In connection with the retirement of neurosurgeon Prof. Dr. Bart van der Zwan from UMC Utrecht (UMCU), the Horacio Oduber Hospital (HOH) had the great pleasure of receiving an exceptionally valuable donation. On the initiative of Professor Van der Zwan himself, the donation was made possible by the German company Peter Lazic and the Dutch company Circle Medical. This special moment came as the professor retired and chose to mark the occasion with a meaningful contribution to our hospital.
The donation consists of a set of neurovascular instruments, including various types of aneurysm clips, appliers, a tray, and a tagging system. These instruments and implants make it possible to perform complex aneurysm surgeries safely and effectively right here in Aruba. Patients no longer need to travel abroad for such procedures—and even more importantly, many of these surgeries are urgent, life-saving interventions.
The collaboration between Dr. Van der Zwan and Niels Weynschenk of Circle Medical has existed for many years and began at UMCU. The team has supported Aruba many times in the past, both with expertise and materials, and this important donation strengthens their bond even further. In July of this year, the value of this collaboration was demonstrated during an emergency operation on an American tourist: with the assistance of neurosurgeon Dr. Van der Zwan and the local HOH team, the surgery was a complete success. According to Van der Zwan: “This confirms not only that the collaboration is essential, but also that HOH has access to a well-equipped operating room and a professional, capable surgical team to perform complex neurovascular procedures. It is important to remember that a clip does not only close, but even more importantly, it connects!”
Drs. Jacco Vroegop, chairman of the Board of Directors of HOH, proudly reflects on the development of the collaboration with UMCU: “A few months after I started working at HOH, we initiated an intensive collaboration with Prof. Pierre Robe of UMCU and our local surgeon Greg Lacle. Our goal was to expand the range of neurosurgical care, create a better division of tasks for our team, and share knowledge and experience. What began as a single specialty grew into a broader network involving multiple disciplines. Neurovascular care holds a special place in my heart. My first experience with such operations was during my first internship in 1997 at Dijkzigt Hospital (now Erasmus MC) in Rotterdam. I am very proud that we have managed to build a legacy together with an enthusiastic team from HOH and UMCU. The aneurysm clips we’ve received will save lives—and that symbolizes exactly what we stand for: continuing to work toward a better hospital and better care for our island.”
HOH is extremely grateful to Prof. Dr. Van der Zwan, the companies Peter Lazic and Circle Medical, UMCU and Prof. Dr. Robe for this valuable donation, which strengthens healthcare in Aruba for our community and our visitors. Niels Weynschenk concludes: “When you help one person, two and eventually many more will be happy. That, in the end, is what life is about!”
Press release: Horacio Oduber Hospital (HOH)