Managed service provider, Althea, has installed the UK’s first Alphenix Sky + system by Canon Medical Systems within Leicester General Hospital’s new interventional suite.
The clinical team from Leicester General, along with Althea’s technology team, undertook an official procurement exercise last year to look through all the Interventional systems on the market.
And the Alphenix Sky + Canon Medical system was shortlisted due to its advanced technology features, including the new Alphenix engine, with a new full 16 BIT imaging chain and an integrated 3D workstation for improved workflow and user experience.
The specification of the equipment was very high, including software modules like AlphaCT.
Going forward, the technology will be ideal for developing Leicester General as a specialised site for prostate embolisation.
The special C-Arm allows for complete rotation of the patient from either the right or left side of the table – one of the first systems of its kind to do so.
The installation and turnkey works to refresh the room started in August 2019. These works were more complicated than usual as the technical cabinets of the equipment were being moved to a separate room.
The equipment also comes with a Dose Tracking system that offers clinicians a live overview of peak skin dose during the examination, ensuring patients always receive the lowest dose possible to the area of interest.
SPOT Fluoro is another advanced dose-saving technique used – the advanced collimator moves asymmetrically, allowing the system to move around the patient, improving patient comfort and lowering patient dose.
Sarita Modi, superintendent of the interventional suite at Leicester General, said: “We are really excited here at Leicester to be home of the first Alphenix Sky + Canon Medical system in the UK.
“Our choice for this particular system is, firstly, for ease of use and standardisation across the trust; and, secondly, for the versatility of the newly-designed double c-arm, enabling us to achieve a greater range of movement.
“In our first week of applications training, the radiographic team was able to successfully carry out a prostate embolisation using the cone beam CT, a service that we will be establishing in the coming months.
“And our team has also been trained to perform biopsies using 3D needle guidance.
“Having had an excellent applications period, the radiographic team is confident with using the system and passing their embedded knowledge onto other users.”
Claire Maxim, clinical lead supertindent radiographer, added: “The installation of the Alphenix Sky + system is an exciting addition to the site and to interventional radiology services.
“Already, the capabilities of the system has enabled us to offer additional complex procedures at the site. This, in turn, ensures that patients are receiving dedicated and specialist care and support for their procedures on one site.