Papworth CT system helps scan patients with shortness of breath

Papworth Hospital chairman Professor John Wallwork, consultant radiologist Dr Bobby Agrawal, MP for Cambridge Dr Julian Huppert, radiology manager Caz Dyer, Siemens Healthcare CT business manager Russell Lodge, regional sales manager Graham Walker, lead radiographer Leigh Clements and Siemens global product manager Peter Aulbach.

Cambridge MP Dr Julian Huppert was at Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust to officially launch a Somatom Force in its radiology department, installed to bolster cardiac imaging services.  The CT imaging system will use the lowest achievable dose and provide rapid scanning for patients suffering shortness of breath.  With approximately half of all the hospital’s CT imaging consisting of cardiac procedures, it is anticipated the system will increase cardiac throughput.

“As the UK’s largest specialist cardiothoracic hospital, we were delighted to be the first to install this CT technology in the UK,” said lead radiographer Leigh Clements. “Due to their medical condition a number of our patients present with shortness of breath which can mean acquiring good quality images is challenging.  The Somatom Force has a Turbo Flash Mode that allows free breathing and rapid scanning.  It also allows us to reduce the volume of contrast required which is a benefit to patients.”

See the full report on page 8 of the May 2015 issue of RAD Magazine.