Royal Preston Hospital, part of the Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, has invested in Esaote’s O-Scan - a compact MRI unit for extremities scanning.
Russell Dineley, general manager of the trust’s imaging directorate and medical illustration department, said: “We have two hospital sites, and operate three high field large bore MR systems to meet a significantly rising demand for MRI, as well as cross-sectional imaging. Our requirement was for additional MRI procurement that was cost-effective, hence our decision to purchase the O-Scan, which requires less space, less power and lower capital expenditure in terms of associated building costs, compared to a large bore system. Our consultant radiologists are extremely satisfied with the image quality and have been pleasantly surprised that patient throughput time is comparable to that of large bore scanners.”
Dr Chooi Oh, consultant musculoskeletal radiologist, added: “My colleagues and I perform a lot of knee scans, followed by wrist, ankles, and some elbows. If comparing the O-Scan to a 1.5 tesla unit, we find images are very good. Knee images are particularly good and O-Scan’s 3D SHARC sequence is extremely good for cartilage. The patient experience is a lot easier and less stressful than a whole-body MRI. When training our colleagues to use O-Scan, they haven’t found it too complex to master.”
The O-Scan’s compact technology and simple user interface provides radiologists with instant access to high-quality images via secure software. Stephen Kennedy, country manager for Esaote UK, said: “The O-Scan does more in less space. Its innovative design integrates a complete MRI system, including RF shielding, in one unique structure, minimising the total space needed for installation. O-Scan can be installed in virtually any office or practice with ease.”
As the NHS reshapes and reorganises, it is expected that demand for compact MRI systems will increase in the UK - as it has in continental Europe.
O-Scan comes with all network, archiving and documentation features to work either stand alone or as part of an integrated environment. It has an integrated DVD archive and retrieve software package, printer facility and patient CD package. It is also DICOM compliant and offers smart solutions for connectivity and tele-radiology.
System features include:
- Maintenance-free open permanent magnet
- No RF Shielding cage needed
- Very compact, installation space of 9sq m required
- Low Power Consumption: only 1 Kw in normal 220/110V power outlet
- Ergonomic design for maximum patient comfort (no claustrophobia)
- Complete set of dedicated optimized DPA coils
- All imaging sequences used in MSK settings
- Full set of pre-defined sequences and protocols
- User defined sequences and customised examination protocols
- Multi planar scout
- Windows-based user interface
- Extensive image viewing, analysis and elaboration tools
- Sophisticated storage functionality particularly useful for systems connected to PACS network Full DICOM connectivity
