North Durham hospital installs low dose interventional imaging system

29 August 2013

County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, has installed a Siemens Artis zee imaging system in University Hospital of North Durham (UHND) for a range of diagnostic and interventional procedures.

The fluoroscopy unit will be used by up to 30 patients a week requiring a range of procedures such as diagnostic studies in the urinary tract, gastrointestinal tract and musculoskeletal system, to more complex interventional procedures including unblocking bile ducts, draining abscesses and placing feeding tubes in the stomach amongst many other uses.

The Artis zee MP provides rapid image acquisition, flexibility and advanced post-processing via a range of clinical applications including DSA (Digital Subtraction Angiography) functionality for enhanced workflow. Dose-saving applications include CARE (combined applications to reduce exposure) and CLEAR (advanced image post-processing), enabling the department to conduct procedures at a much lower dose than was previously possible.

“The new fluoroscopy unit is outstanding, it really does make a big difference to the work we do. The images we get are much more detailed, helping to optimise clinical workflow. For example, if a patient has a blocked bile duct we can quickly image the liver, make a diagnosis and accurately place a stent to unblock any obstruction,” states Dr Stuart Marsden, Consultant Interventional Radiologist at University Hospital of North Durham. “The technology also uses much less dose — up to a third of the old equipment, which makes it safer for both patients and staff.”