Auckland City Hospital has completed the rollout of eight state-of-the-art heart and lung bypass machines, marking a major upgrade in cardiothoracic care for patients across New Zealand.
Health Minister Simeon Brown said the $3.2 million investment represents “a major step forward in cardiothoracic care for the country’s main centre for complex heart and lung surgery.”
“Auckland City Hospital performs more than 1000 cardiac surgeries and around 50 heart and lung transplants each year,” Mr Brown said. “For these patients, the new machines mean safer surgery, fewer cancellations, and better outcomes when they need some of the most complex and lifesaving procedures.”
Approved in 2024, the phased replacement of the hospital’s ageing bypass fleet is now complete, with all eight machines fully operational. The new adult and paediatric systems use advanced monitoring to provide individualised, goal-directed therapy, allowing perfusionists to precisely tailor oxygen delivery in real time during surgery.
“These machines give frontline health teams access to the latest technology available elsewhere in the world, ensuring patients undergoing open-heart surgery, heart and lung transplants, or other complex procedures receive the highest standard of care,” Mr Brown said.
He added that next-generation Blood Parameter Monitors now complement the bypass systems, helping surgical teams closely track patients’ vital signs throughout surgery.
“Investing in this modern equipment not only supports our skilled clinicians but also strengthens the hospital’s ability to deliver lifesaving care for years to come,” Mr Brown said. “It means patients can have confidence that when they need complex heart or lung surgery, the best technology and expertise are ready and available right here in New Zealand.”
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