In connection with the retirement of neurosurgeon Prof. Dr. Bart van der Zwan from UMC Utrecht (UMCU), the Horacio Oduber Hospital (HOH) proudly received a highly valuable donation initiated by him. The donation came from the German company Peter Lazic and the Dutch company Circle Medical, marking a meaningful moment as the professor concluded his career by gifting advanced medical equipment to Aruba’s hospital.
The donation includes a complete set of neurovascular instruments, including various types of aneurysm clips, appliers, a surgical tray, and a tagging system. These instruments and implants now make it possible to perform complex aneurysm surgeries safely and effectively right here in Aruba. Patients no longer need to travel abroad for such critical operations—many of which are urgent and life-saving.
The collaboration between Dr. Van der Zwan and Niels Weynschenk of Circle Medical has existed for many years, beginning at UMCU. Their team has supported Aruba numerous times with both expertise and medical materials. In July of this year, this partnership proved invaluable during an emergency procedure on an American tourist. With support from Dr. Van der Zwan and the HOH surgical team, the operation was a total success. According to Van der Zwan:
“Not only does this confirm that our collaboration is essential, but it also shows that HOH has a well-equipped operating room and a skilled, professional team capable of performing complex neurovascular surgeries. It’s important to remember that a clip doesn’t just close—sometimes it unites even more!”
Drs. Jacco Vroegop, President of HOH’s Board of Directors, proudly reflects on the progress of the partnership with UMCU:
“Just a few months after I started working at HOH, we began an intensive collaboration with Prof. Pierre Robe of UMCU and our local surgeon Greg Lacle to expand our neurosurgery program. What began with a single specialty has now grown into a broader network across multiple disciplines. Neurovascular care holds a special place in my heart. My first experience with these types of surgeries dates back to my training in 1997 at Dijkzigt Hospital (now Erasmus MC) in Rotterdam. I’m proud of the legacy we have built together with the dedicated teams of HOH and UMCU. The aneurysm clips we received will save lives—and that symbolizes exactly what we stand for: continuously improving our hospital and the quality of care for our island.”
HOH is deeply grateful to Prof. Dr. Van der Zwan, Peter Lazic, Circle Medical, UMCU, and Prof. Dr. Robe for their generous contribution that strengthens healthcare in Aruba for both the community and its visitors.
As Niels Weynschenk concludes: “When you give to one, many more become happy! That’s what life is all about!
Photo Credits : https://diario.aw/categories/noticia/general/donacion-di-clipnan-neurovascular-ta-eleva-calidad-y-siguridad-di-cuido-na-aruba
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