Waikato Cardiothoracic Unit

25/02/2026

🚨 Mark you calendar for 1 March - It's World Pulse Day. 🚨

Did you know 1 in 3 people are at risk of developing an abnormal heart rhythm in their lifetime? Arrhythmias, like atrial fibrillation ("A-fib or AF"), can be silent problems waiting to cause trouble. Some patients experience palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea, fatigue, and other symptoms. Seeing your regular doctor or a heart specialist can keep your rhythm managed and prevent heart failure & strokes. In addition to healthy lifestyles, medications, procedures, and surgery are all ways to treat or cure these common conditions.

As New Zealand sees the first sunrise of the new day, we also start with the first pulses of the new day. 🇳🇿 🌅 🥝

Our team (with the help of some friends) put together a short video about the importance of pulse & rhythm checks. So.... do you know your pulse?

There's lots of ways to get your rhythm sorted if needed - our team is happy to help!

🫀 Be sure to watch the video, tag a friend, and know your pulse! 🫀

Heart Foundation NZ
University of Auckland - Waipapa Taumata Rau
Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora
Health NZ - Waikato
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS)
Pulse Day 2026
Heart Rhythm Society
hearts4heart
Arrhythmia Alliance
The Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand

15/02/2026

Last week marked another exciting milestone for our cardiac surgery team

After successfully performing Endoscopic Vein Harvest for the past two years (a keyhole way of taking vein from the leg for heart bypass surgery) our RNFSA team have now expanded this approach to the radial artery from the forearm.

In some bypass operations, an artery from the arm is used to improve blood flow to the heart. With this keyhole technique, the artery can be removed through much smaller incisions.

We were fortunate enough to have Reggie Arcilla an experienced Physician Assistant from the United States join us last week to provide guidance as we introduced this technique safely and carefully.

We are incredibly proud to be the first centre in New Zealand to perform endoscopic radial harvest, continuing our commitment towards better recovery for our patients

04/02/2026

March 1st is World Pulse Day 🫀do you know your pulse?

When was the last time you checked it?
Abnormal heart rhythms are more common than many people realise and a simple pulse check can help pick up early warning signs. Keeping your rhythm sorted with your GP or specialist can help prevent symptoms, heart failure and stroke.

Proud to support awareness alongside Heart Foundation NZ, Arrythmia Alliance, Pulse Day 2026 and the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society.

💡 Know your pulse. If something doesn’t feel right, book in with your GP.
Small checks can make a big difference

14/12/2025

Last week our RNFSA Nurse Specialists were featured on Radio New Zealand talking about the nurse led Endoscopic Vein Harvesting service at Waikato Hospital

This keyhole technique is changing recovery for patients having Coronary Bypass surgery by reducing leg scars, pain and healing time.

A big thank you to our nursing, surgical and theatre teams that support this, and to RNZ for highlighting the work we do

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/581356/new-technique-at-waikato-hospital-leaves-heart-bypass-patients-with-fewer-scars from RNZ.

The traditional way of harvesting a vein to use in the surgery involves a long cut down the leg.

29/11/2025

A big afternoon for Education Friday in the Waikato CTS Unit!

Our registrars began with a session on penetrating chest trauma, guided by one of our consultants who shared experience from high volume US trauma centres - covering best practice for managing firearm injuries to the heart and lungs.

Our RNFSA nurse specialists then updated the team on the unit’s progress with Endoscopic Vein Harvesting (EVH) including what they assess pre-op, key intra-op steps, and the post-op outcomes we’re seeing.

We wrapped up with an excellent Aortic Root Wetlab facilitated by Edwards Lifesciences, where the team revised anatomy, dissected and prepared the root, and practised the Konnect graft with support from our cardiothoracic surgeons.

When a team learns together, excellence becomes a shared outcome

19/11/2025

What a great morning in Kirikiriroa! 🌉🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

Some of our Waikato Cardiothoracic Surgery crew laced up their shoes for the annual Round the Bridges event over the weekend.

It was awesome to be out in the community we serve, supporting local health, wellbeing and a bit of friendly team competition!

A huge well done to everyone who took part, cheered from the sidelines, or encouraged their colleagues to give it a go.

Here’s to a fitter, stronger Waikato… both inside and outside the hospital walls. ❤️🫀

31/10/2025

What an incredible morning our Clinical Nurse Specialist, Georgia Miller, had at Fairfield Intermediate School with their Science Enrichment class.

Georgia spent time sharing what a ‘day in the life’ of a cardiac RNFSA looks like, from heart anatomy to the advanced technology and team work that makes heart surgery possible.

Students got a close up look into heart valve implants, surgical instruments and 3D printed sternums- learning how the breastbone is closed after surgery. It’s always inspiring to see young minds so curious about the science behind heart health and surgery.

Thanks for inviting us to be a part of your science program. Future nurses and surgeons in the making 🧑‍⚕️ 👩🏽‍⚕️ 👨🏽‍⚕️

16/10/2025

Did you know the Waikato Cardiothoracic Surgery Unit is active in numerous research projects? 🔬🧬🧪🥼🫀 You can help too!

Our team participates in studies across the spectrum of care - not just locally but international, large scale clinical trials. Recent presentations of our work have been given in Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, and the US - not to mention publication in multiple journals.

None of this is possible without the support from our research trust. We have former patients, family members, and those in the community asking how they can support these efforts in the Te Manawa Taki Region. Here’s how: individuals & businesses can donate to our research trust through single, recurring, or legacy/willed gifting. These generous donations are tax friendly and help local efforts be seen on a global stage!

Donations don’t go to coffee mugs and t-shirts - the funds support employment of research staff, student interns, and other aspects of projects. But most importantly: patients get the benefit of accessing upcoming, cutting-edge therapy!

Our friends at the Tamahere Country Club are fundraising for our research trust at an upcoming charity event! A charity cricket match & raffle on Sunday 16 November at Woodlands Estate Cricket Oval aims to help maintain the breadth of work by our team. Hats off to the organisers and donors for organising including our unit in this annual event.

Want to get involved/support excellent medical research? Contact us for details on donations and more info about our work done.



Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora
Health New Zealand | Waikato

22/09/2025

Welcome to our new Cardiac Fellow

Marius has finished his Cardiothoracic surgery training in the UK East Midlands region, where he was an NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research) Academic Clinical Lecturer at the University of Leicester. During his training, he performed just under 250 cardiac operations and over 200 thoracic surgery procedures. His research focuses on organ injury, multimorbidity, frailty and clinical trials. He published just under 50 peer-reviewed manuscripts, co-led two local clinical trials and set up three international multicenter trials in the UK.

He is excited to join the team at Waikato, which, in his words, is “the best Cardiothoracic Surgery fellowship in the world”, due to the operative exposure, Consultant-level step-up and overall excellent support from the whole team. He is highly pleased to have found at Waikato a Heart team that displays positivity, professional behaviour and focuses on improving the journey and outcomes of Cardiothoracic patients.

During his time at Waikato, he aims to perform more major aortic and mitral valve surgeries, while further refining his general operative, off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery, and clinical management skills. These skills will set him up to embark on his Consultant Surgeon journey with confidence. As part of the fellowship, he will engage with local and national research and embark on a hybrid AI research and healthcare programme at Harvard University. ✨

14/09/2025

🌐 Aortic Dissection Awareness Week 💙

Aortic dissection is a devastating condition that affects many New Zealanders every year, causing immense suffering for patients and their families. Early diagnosis, specialised care, and ongoing research are critical to improving outcomes.

At Waikato Cardiothoracic Unit, we are proud to be at the forefront of aortic disease care in Aotearoa:

✅ Dedicated Aortic Clinics and a national surveillance programme
✅ Comprehensive surgical therapies including frozen elephant trunk, valve-sparing root replacements, and advanced endovascular treatments
✅ A translational research programme focused on:
• Developing new therapies to better manage high blood pressure
• Harnessing AI and advanced imaging to identify patients at risk before rupture occurs
• Creating national care pathways and surveillance systems across New Zealand
• Understanding and addressing the psychological impact of aortic dissection

This work is made possible thanks to support from the Heart Foundation NZ, the John and Ann Burton Award, and Manaaki Manawa – Centre for Heart Research at the The University of Auckland.

Together, we are working to save lives and improve the journey for every patient with aortic disease in New Zealand.

22/08/2025

Congratulations to Professor David J McCormack on his appointment as Interim Dean of Medicine at the The University of Waikato

This milestone is more than a personal achievement, it marks the beginning of a bold new chapter in medical education for Aotearoa New Zealand. As he leads the launch of the New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine (opening 2028), David will shape a workforce that is regionally grounded, socially responsive and future-focused.
A respected cardiothoracic surgeon, national clinical leader and proud Waikato alumnus, David brings the rare combination of clinical excellence, academic insight and strategic vision needed to redefine how we train future doctors.

We are proud to see one of our own take on this historic role and we look forward to supporting him as he helps build the future of healthcare in New Zealand.

Ka rawe, David, this is leadership in action

Dr David McCormack went to medical school after seeing his family struggle getting healthcare in the UK. Now he’ll be teaching other young docs.

21/08/2025

Our time at the Fieldays wasn’t just about ECGs; it was about connection.

Our team loved engaging with the community, breaking down barriers to seeking help and showing how quick checks can start important conversations about heart health.

We’re proud to be part of events like this and look forward to finding even more ways to educate and connect with people outside the hospital.

💬 What would get you to stop and check your ticker?

📰 Read more here:

Some punters who got a free check at the event went home with an urgent GP referral.