Cardiac rhythm management and bradycardia pacemaker implantation services have been enhanced for patients at the Countess of Chester Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust following the installation of a new Alphenix Sky ceiling-mounted C-arm.
The bespoke pacing theatre, a turnkey project with Canon Medical Systems UK, included the replacement of a 15-year-old incumbent system with the latest interventional imaging technology to improve image quality, reduce dose, and speed up procedures.
The remodelling of the room also included lighting modifications to the right and left to enable greater versatility of pacing on both sides of the patient.
Gareth Buckingham, cath lab manager at the hospital, said: “Chester has a growing ageing population and our pacemaker workload is increasing year on year by about 7%.
“We do approximately 400 cases every year, which makes us one of the bigger centres in the area and we are also seeing an increased need of subpectoral pacemaker implantation, burying them a bit deeper, which previously meant patients were sent elsewhere for the procedure.
“Now we have the set-up to do it here with the Alphenix Sky.
“This is better for the patient as it potentially means a closer-to-home appointment.
This is just one example of how by having the latest imaging equipment, we’re ready to seize new service opportunities that will improve patient experiences and outcomes into the future.”
He added: “Having a new and productive pacing theatre adjoined to our cardiology day unit really assists with our patient flow.
“We try and pace within 24 hours of referral as this is a ‘get it right first time’ objective for our region.
“A good, robust fixed C-arm has enhanced the image quality and quickened clinical interpretation.”
