The University Hospital of North Tees has ordered a SOMATOM Definition Flash Dual Source CT system for its main X-ray department.
In addition to assisting with existing procedures such as Computed Tomography urography, the system is also due to increase the department’s capacity and expand services to include cardiac, bariatric and paediatric procedures.
The Definition Flash from Siemens Healthcare is a Dual Source CT system with Spiral Dual Energy where two X-ray sources run simultaneously at different energies for easy classification of the scanned tissue at the right dose. Rapid imaging ensures a more comfortable patient experience, with breath holding and motion no longer a challenge, plus the need for sedation removed in paediatric imaging. Cardiac procedures also benefit from a high temporal resolution of 75 milliseconds, available in all cardiac scan modes, capturing any cardiac motion irrespective of heart rate.
“With the Definition Flash CT system we plan to expand our services to meet an increased need for cardiac, bariatric and paediatric procedures,” said Gail Griffiths, CT lead radiographer at The University Hospital of North Tees.
“Additionally we will be able to alleviate workload from other departments such as the catheterisation laboratory. We hope to increase patient throughput with the new system and benefit from the virtual non-contrast, optimising workflow and removing the need for additional unenhanced scans.”
Dr Justin Carter, consultant cardiologist at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, added: “For many patients we will, for the first time, be able to see coronary narrowing without invasive procedures with excellent accuracy and very low doses. Many feel the NHS is slow to provide such advanced technology so we are especially pleased to have been able to secure such a service for people living in Teesside and the surrounding area.”
