The Paediatric Radiology Department at Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham University Hospital Trust, recently installed a Canon Medical Systems Aplio i-800 ultrasound system in a purpose-built second paediatric room, with space to allow patients to be transported in their beds or cots, directly into the room for their scans. The first Aplio i-series system to be installed at the Trust, its new Canon matrix abdominal transducer permits all age groups to be scanned quickly without having to change transducers. Providing exceptional image quality, the ergonomic design of the system allows for different scan positions, to ensure the child is at ease at all times.
The hospital is looking to raise money for future development of a children’s hospital, with the funding for the new scanner coming from the Trust’s capital. Commenting on the decision to opt for Canon Medical Systems equipment, Dr. Nigel Broderick, Consultant Paediatric Radiologist, says; “The new system achieves better image quality for general abdominal and renal imaging across all age groups, with less need to use several probes to obtain high quality images, compared to other suppliers’ equipment. We have increased our overall capacity, allowing sonographers to gain competencies in acute and more complex cases.”
Dr. Katharine Halliday, Consultant Paediatric Radiologist, adds; “We tried a few machines and the images obtained from the Canon scanner were the best. The image is lovely and the system is easy to use. We get much better image quality now and it is particularly good for bowel studies. We are hoping to have a new department by 2021 and would certainly consider getting more of this particular model.”
Dr. Joyce Sande, Consultant Paediatric Radiologist, also comments, saying; “The equipment has a high standard of quality, which has enhanced diagnostic capability. It is easy to use and this has enabled us to achieve shorter scanning times, which allows us more time for the scans to be prepared and also indirectly has a positive effect on patient waiting times. The time spent by the Canon applications specialist with our unit was invaluable and the continued support by Canon has also been appreciated.”
The new scanner has been delivered with Canon Medical System’s panoramic view for continuous image acquisition and SMI technology, which offers colour flow imaging with unmatched detail and definition. It expands the range of visible blood flow to visualise low-velocity micro-vascular flow as never seen before with diagnostic ultrasound. The Aplio-i series ultra-wideband transducers cover the same bandwidth as two conventional transducers, providing superior sensitivity and resolution for both near and far fields. As well as helping to reduce costs, the new transducer design can also provide better imaging regardless of the patient condition.
Photo line up left to right: Jackie Chambers, Ultrasound Applications Specialist, Canon Medical Systems; Paediatric Radiographers, Angela Staley and Vanessa Waspe; Dr. Katharine Halliday, Consultant Paediatric Radiologist and Paediatric Radiographers Lauren Padgett and Clare Cormell.
