Manchester Royal Infirmary enlists ARFI via S3000 ultrasound

Published: 8-Apr-2014

Hospital increases imaging capabilities to enhance liver examinations

Manchester Royal Infirmary, part of Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, has increased its imaging capabilities with the installation of an ACUSON S3000 ultrasound system from Siemens Healthcare.

In addition to carrying out a wide range of general procedures, the hospital anticipates the system will significantly benefit its liver and HPB unit with improved image quality and functionality leading to the reduction of liver biopsies required.

The imaging team have cited the ACUSON S3000’s Virtual Touch imaging application, which implements Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI) technology for the evaluation of deep tissues not accessible by superficial compression elastography, as a key benefit. Virtual Touch imaging provides a qualitative measurement of relative stiffness for a user-defined region of interest. Using this method, the hospital is able to differentiate stiff tissue from soft tissue even if it appears isoechoic using conventional ultrasound imaging.

The ACUSON S3000, which also offers advanced proprietary eSie Fusion imaging, enables the automatic and simple fusion of 3D CT volumes with real-time ultrasound. Beyond liver work, the system is being used to assist staff at Manchester Royal Infirmary with general abdominal, thyroid, testes, abdomen and musculoskeletal procedures, as well as for interventional procedures such as biopsies and drainages.

“The ARFI technology provided by the ACUSON S3000 is incredibly important to both clinical practice and research,” said Lynn Kenderdine, superintendent radiographer at Manchester Royal Infirmary.

“We are currently undertaking an ARFI study, examining evidence of cirrhosis and liver stiffness, and the Virtual Touch application will be of particular assistance to us in the diagnosis of liver disease.”

“We are pleased the ACUSON S3000 is making a difference to Manchester Royal Infirmary’s important work in the field of liver disease, as well as supporting its range of routine ultrasound procedures,” added Richard Evans, regional sales manager at Siemens Healthcare.

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