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The Neurosurgery Clinic at UMHAT “St. Marina" – Varna has expanded its high-tech capacity with the introduction of a state-of-the-art surgical microscope. The equipment was delivered under the Recovery and Resilience Mechanism, aimed at modernising paediatric healthcare facilities and improving child health services.
“The new microscope provides excellent visualisation, enabling maximum precision and minimally invasive access to the extremely delicate brain structures in children. The system allows integration with neuronavigation, including the projection of neuronavigation images or pre-marked tumour formations directly into the microscope's eyepieces," explained Prof. Dr. Yavor Enchev, Head of the Neurosurgery Clinic at UMHAT “St. Marina"–Varna and Chairperson of the Bulgarian Society of Neurosurgery.
“The technology also includes fluorescence capability—a modern method that supports better differentiation of vascular brain diseases in children. This significantly enhances the safety and effectiveness of neurosurgical interventions while ensuring the most minimally invasive approach in surgical treatment for the youngest patients," he further added.
The microscope also offers excellent capabilities for treating all types of spinal conditions in both children and adults. Its high-resolution multimodal display allows students and neurosurgery residents to observe surgical procedures in detail or for operations to be streamed live to the training rooms.
The acquisition of the new microscope is part of a targeted policy led by the management of the University Hospital and Medical University - Varna to invest sustainably in high-tech equipment and develop clinical units. In this context, the Neurosurgery Clinic at the medical institution continues to strengthen its role as a leading centre in Bulgaria, providing highly specialised medical care for both paediatric and adult patients.
The Clinic can boast state-of-the-art technology infrastructure in two operating rooms, including three neuronavigation systems–a cutting-edge technology that enables precise localisation and guidance during surgery procedures. The specialists also have at their disposal last-generation operating tables, high-resolution intraoperative ultrasound, a robotic surgical microscope with an integrated endoscope, a high-speed microdrill for cranial and spinal applications, ultrasonic aspiration systems, and 2D C-arm imaging systems with the possibility of 3D image reconstruction and integration with navigation systems.
The Clinic is equipped with a stereotactic frame for deep brain stimulation, along with the necessary software for procedures used in treating Parkinson's disease and dyskinesias. Furthermore, equipment for endoscopic neurosurgery, an ultrasound aspiration system, as well as radiofrequency thermocoagulation and cryotherapy technologies are provided, which allow for minimally invasive interventions, mainly in the spine.
For precise diagnostics, the medical team at the Neurosurgery Clinic at UMHAT “St. Marina"–Varna uses the capabilities provided by two MRI scanners, two CT scanners, a PET scanner, and angiography systems. Postoperative care is complemented by some of the most advanced radiotherapy and chemotherapy technologies in Bulgaria, ensuring comprehensive patient treatment.
The Neurosurgery Clinic relies on a highly qualified team of specialists, with human resource development being a key priority of both the University and the Hospital. The combination of modern equipment and well-trained professionals reinforces the position of the unit as one of the leading neurosurgical centres in the country, comparable to top European and global institutions in clinical, academic, and educational aspects.
