North Durham’s interventionalists see the difference

Student nurse Emma Alderson, staff nurse Alison Young, senior radiologist Paul Cumiskey and consultant radiologist Dr Julie Cox demonstrate the recently installed Artis zee.

University Hospital of North Durham has installed an Artis zee multi-purpose interventional imaging system from Siemens Healthcare.  Located in the radiology department, the system is being used for detailed imaging in diagnostic and interventional procedures.

Up to 30 patients a week will be treated on the fluoroscopy unit for a range of procedures such as diagnostic studies in the urinary tract, GI tract and MSK system to more complex interventional procedures including unblocking bile ducts, draining abscesses and placing feeding tubes in the stomach.

“The new fluoroscopy unit is outstanding, it really does make a big difference to the work we do,” said consultant interventional radiologist Dr Stuart Marsden.  “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.  The technology also uses much less dose – up to a third of the old equipment.”

See this report on page 29 of the October 2013 issue of RAD Magazine.