Royal Surrey County Hospital Installs UK's First Ceiling-mounted Artis Zee - Siemens Innovation Increases Flexibility In Interventional Suite

Main Category: Radiology / Nuclear Medicine
Also Included In: MRI / PET / Ultrasound;  Medical Devices / Diagnostics
Article Date: 23 Apr 2008 - 15:00 PDT

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Royal Surrey County Hospital, a principal District General Hospital serving the Surrey community, has installed the first ceiling-mounted Artis zee from Siemens in the UK. The new system replaces a 13 year old interventional setup. DynaCT and syngo iPilot and iGuide needle guidance applications have been installed with the Artis zee to offer a comprehensive imaging solution for oncology, angiography and interventional procedures.

Over a quarter of a million people a year are treated at Royal Surrey County Hospital and the new system will assist with enhancing interventional patient care. The Artis zee's advanced imaging capabilities offer superior rotational acquisitions and dose saving technologies which are particularly useful for fibroid and pelvic vein embolisation. The system will also be used for its angio CT capabilities, playing an important role for various non-vascular interventions at the hospital. The Artis zee was installed with Siemens syngo DynaCT and syngo iPilot applications, which will provide 3D and 4D images and 3D roadmapping. The system includes the first UK installation of the iGuide needle guidance system for aiding percutaneous interventions.

Siemens worked in close partnership with clinical staff at the Royal Surrey County Hospital to provide a bespoke setup. With cases often undertaken via the jugular vein, consultant radiologist Dr Fuad Hussain suggested a diagnostic monitor on a pedestal control unit.

"The versatility of the Artis zee has increased the flexibility of all procedures in the Interventional Suite," said Dr Fuad Hussain, Consultant Radiologist at Royal County Surrey Hospital. "Siemens exceeded our expectations by meeting our specific needs with a diagnostic monitor on a pedestal control unit. This has proved invaluable for our interventional work, allowing the radiologist and radiographer easy access to images and table controls from the table side or pedestal unit. Its ceiling-mounted positioning also gives staff more access, providing greater freedom in which to work."

The Artis zee has a large flat detector enabling easy patient access and full body coverage. Its advanced imaging means less contrast and dosage is needed. The images provided by the system and applications, such as syngo DynaCT, syngo iPilot and iGuide will mean faster decision making and enhanced workflow at the Trust.

"Siemens is delighted that the first ceiling mounted Artis Zee has been installed at Royal Surrey County Hospital," said Andreas Hadjiphanis, Regional Sales Manager at Siemens. "We worked closely with the doctors, radiologists, radiographers and nurses to create a custom setup that will greatly assist image guided procedures."

Siemens Healthcare 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 fully integrated diagnostics 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. The company employs more than 49,000 people worldwide and operates in 130 countries. In the fiscal year 2007 (Sept. 30), Siemens Healthcare reported sales of €9.85 billion, orders of €10.27 billion and group profit of €1.32 billion.

Siemens Healthcare