Creation of Modern University Department of Neurosurgery at the Time of Global Economic Crisis- The Experience of University Hospital “St. Marina” Varna, Bulgaria

Introduction: Neurosurgery represents a unique medical specialty, extremely linked to and dependent on the technological progress and hence associated with significant costs. The design and implementation of the idea to establish and develop an ultimately modern university clinic of neurosurgery, at the time of severe unprecedented global economic crisis, requires clear vision for the future, large investments and great management skills. Aim: The creation of the Department of neurosurgery at University Hospital “St. Marina” was an ambitious project unparalleled in the contemporary medical history of Bulgaria. Materials and Methods: University Hospital “St. Marina” Varna invested 3 million euros of its own funds to purchase the most advanced diagnostic and operative neurosurgical devices. Highly qualified and trained personnel was selected and recruited. The newly established Department of Neurosurgery was promoted through the mass media as well as by performing several free screening campaigns. The Department of Neurosurgery was actively supported by the other departments and clinics of the most high-tech and the biggest hospital in East Bulgaria- University Hospital “St. Marina,” Varna. Results: The inauguration of the clinic was on October 11, 2011, by the Minister of the Health of Bulgaria. The clinic possesses modernly equipped hospital rooms. The neurosurgical operating theater has the latest generation devices, such as surgical microscope with the possibility of intraoperative fluorescence and image injection, ultrasound-based neurovnavigation, high-definition neuroendoscope, CUSA, high-speed drill, intraoperative ultrasound, device for intraoperative electrophysiological monitoring, monitors for intracranial pressure, C-arm capable of 3D reconstruction, X-Ray negative operating table, full set of state of the art microsurgical instruments and etc. Available around the clock for neurosurgical purposes are the modern hospital MRI, multislice CT, PET-CT scan and DSA cerebral angiograph. The early postoperative period patients spend in the intensive care unit. Conclusion: The Department of Neurosurgery at University Hospital “St. Marina” in Varna, Bulgaria currently represents one of the most advanced neurosurgical centers in Bulgaria, which philosophy is to stick to the standards of excellence of the leading European, Nord American and Asian clinics.