Southmead Hospital, part of the North Bristol NHS Trust, has installed a ceiling mounted Artis zee™ interventional imaging system for vascular and non vascular interventions. The images provided by the unit have helped to improve workflow, reduce the amount of contrast used and broaden the range of procedures the hospital now undertakes. The equipment is being used for procedures including angiography, angioplasty, nephrostomy, Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL), Endovascular Aneurysm Repairs (EVAR) and biliary interventions.
The Artis zee is installed with syngo® DynaCT™, an application that delivers 3D cross sectional images of a specified area to the tableside within 30 seconds. In a practical example, this can allow radiographers to confirm immediately if a graft has been placed correctly and make any necessary repairs during an EVAR procedure, eliminating the need for a conventional CT scan. Effectively this saves the patient a second procedure, reducing their anxiety plus relieving pressure on the hospital.
Other new procedures that can now be undertaken include cryoablations of renal tumours, where cross sectional images allow precise planning, potentially saving time and costs by ensuring accurate needle placement. The Artis zee images assist clinicians in accurately guiding needles directly into the tumour.
Furthermore, syngo DynaCT is being put to use in a unique way beyond vascular work, in audiology procedures. With the soft tissue and bony definition obtained via the cross sectional images delivered by DynaCT, surgeons can evaluate the position of an implant more accurately. This again saves time and anxiety for the patient as it is possible to quickly evaluate the success of a procedure.
“The images are fantastic, much better than before, which has also led to a reduction in contrast and dose levels,” states Andrew Draper, Superintendent Radiographer at Southmead Hospital. “The flexibility and new features have allowed us to expand and undertake new interventional procedures.”
“The variety of procedures the Artis zee is being used for shows the flexibility and the excellent imaging available,” states Darren Parker, Regional Sales Manager at Siemens Healthcare. “This hospital in particular has really taken advantage of the real time images syngo DynaCT can offer and how these can be applied in different clinical situations.”
About Siemens Healthcare
The Siemens Healthcare Sector is one of the world’s largest suppliers to the healthcare industry. The company is a renowned medical solutions provider with core competence and innovative strength in diagnostic and therapeutic technologies as well as in knowledge engineering, including information technology and system integration. With its laboratory diagnostics acquisitions, Siemens Healthcare is the first integrated healthcare company, bringing together imaging and lab diagnostics, therapy and healthcare information technology solutions, supplemented by consulting and support services. Siemens Healthcare delivers solutions across the entire continuum of care – from prevention and early detection, to diagnosis, therapy and care. Additionally, Siemens Healthcare is the global market leader in innovative hearing instruments. The company employs more than 49,000 people worldwide and operates in 130 countries. In the fiscal year 2008 (Sept. 30), Siemens Healthcare reported sales of €11.2 billion, orders of €11.8 billion, and Sector profit of €1.2 billion. Further information can be found by visiting http://www.siemens.co.uk/healthcare.
For more information please contact:
Siemens Healthcare
T: 01276 696000
E: medmarketing.med.gb@siemens.com
W: http://www.siemens.co.uk/healthcare
