Bristol installs UK’s second hybrid theatre

Pictured at Bristol with an Artis zee are Siemens regional sales manager Darren Parker with consultant cardiologist Dr Andreas Baumbach.

A hybrid theatre – only the second of its kind in the UK – has been opened at Bristol Heart Institute.  The new imaging technology and a £60 million build positions the facility as a central location for all heart services at Bristol Royal Infirmary. 

Equipment includes an Artis zee ceiling-mounted interventional imaging system with a large detector and an operating table.

While the hybrid theatre will be used for complex interventions and surgical procedures, three other Artis zees have been installed.  A new 24-hour cath lab, situated close to the ambulance bay, will enable almost immediate treatment in emergency situations. 

Two further Artis zees have been installed in a conventional cath lab.  Both systems are expected to increase the number of patients seen, due to advanced imaging capabilities, easy patient access and flexibility. 

See the full report on page 32 of the March 2010 issue of RAD Magazine.