Glenfield Hospital, part of University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, has recently installed four advanced imaging systems from Siemens Healthcare into its dedicated Cross Sectional CT and MRI Unit.
The new technology includes a SOMATOM Definition Flash CT, a SOMATOM Definition AS+ CT and two MAGNETOM Aera 1.5T MR systems. They join an existing MAGNETOM Skyra MR system and were chosen due to superior image quality and ease of use.
The systems were procured through Asteral, the Equipment-as-a-Service company, on behalf of the trust.
The SOMATOM systems will enable Glenfield Hospital to provide an increased capacity of cardiac CT imaging procedures to patients. The Definition Flash and AS+ are available for clinical examinations 24 hours a day and are already in regular use scanning up to 40 patients per day. In addition to cardiac procedures, the systems support general CT imaging, biopsies and drainage.
The Definition Flash utilises Stellar Detectors featuring TrueSignal Technology, enabling the system to supply ultra-thin slices with high spatial resolution and minimal noise levels. The Flash also incorporates two X-ray tubes for Flash Spiral scanning, enabling whole-body scanning in less than five seconds while delivering the right dose to the patient - that is the most appropriate dose for that specific patient with regard to the diagnostic image quality required.
The Definition AS+ provides excellent image quality plus obtains rapid coverage with 128 slices per rotation. Combined with a temporal resolution of 150ms, images are free from movement artefacts and provide a high level of anatomical detail for enhanced diagnosis. The system features ‘Adaptive 4D Spiral’ capabilities, allowing clinicians to view whole organ coverage in 4D. Rapid examination times conducted at the lowest possible dose are also helping the hospital with paediatric imaging, plus bariatric or claustrophobic patients.
Glenfield Hospital is also benefitting from two MAGNETOM Aera MR systems, also supporting cardiac procedures and forming part of the hospital’s specialist cardiac MR offering.
“We are delighted with the SOMATOM Definition and MAGNETOM Aera systems from Siemens Healthcare, that serve to bolster our cardiac provision and deliver excellent image quality for clinicians,” said Dean Mawby, superintendent radiographer at Glenfield Hospital.
