Dual source CT reduces need for paediatric anaesthesia at Leeds General Infirmary

Leeds General Infirmary has replaced a ten-year-old CT system with a Somatom Force dual source CT scanner from Siemens Healthineers. CT lead radiographer Scott Viggars said: “The Somatom Force has brought dose neutral dual energy capabilities to the trust due to the unique design of having two x-ray tubes and two detectors. Patients are now benefitting from reduced acquisition times, reduced radiation doses and improved workflows, bringing noticeable improvements to the diagnostic imaging of our cardiac and paediatric patient populations, to name just two.

“Reduced acquisition times are bringing immediate benefits to our department, with a noticeable reduction in the need for general anaesthetic on our paediatric lists. Our cardiac referrals in particular have increased rapidly over the last few years. This equipment will ensure we can scan these patients promptly and provide an efficient diagnostic service for clinician and patient alike.”

Radiographers and clinicians are now able to take advantage of some of the new technologies available, from the use of the tin filter in reducing dose to the FAST 3D camera to aid isocentric patient positioning. “The gantry LED lighting is proving especially popular with our paediatric and anxious patients,” added Viggars.

Siemens Healthineers regional sales manager Lee Charlton said: “The scanner is situated in one of the busiest CT departments in the UK, which also happens to scan some of the most challenging patient groups. The system was purchased prior to the pandemic. It can produce lung scans with up to 50 per cent reduced radiation dose compared to similar systems by using selective photon shields that optimise the x-ray spectrum to improve air/soft tissue contrast.”

Picture: Senior radiography assistant Daniel Wilson, CT lead radiographer Scott Viggars, team leaders Liam Craddock and Janet Feather with Siemens Healthineers regional sales manager Lee Charlton.

Published on page 28 of the August 2020 issue of RAD Magazine.