Castle Hill Hospital, part of Hull and East Yorkshire NHS Trust, recently replaced a ten-year old 40-slice CT system with a Canon Medical Systems Aquilion ONE GENESIS Edition scanner. The new system is the second Canon CT scanner to be installed at Castle Hill Hospital. The first system, an Aquilion PRIME, installed in 2017, was delivered with cardiac software and replaced an aged 16-slice system.

The 2017 installation was the hospital’s first experience with a Canon CT scanner. Features that convinced the hospital to purchase a second Canon Medical Systems system included low dose with iterative construction and improved image quality with Canon’s ‘FIRST model-based reconstruction’ (MBIR). Andrew Stephens comments, “We already have a Canon system, purchased in 2017, and we have been very pleased with the reliability of the system. Based on the positive experience with our first system, we decided to go ahead and acquire a second Canon CT scanner.”

Stephens continues, “We have moved from 16 and 40 slice systems to the Canon Medical Systems Aquilion PRIME and Aquilion ONE GENESIS Edition. It has been a huge leap in technology. As a regional cardiothoracic centre, high quality cardiac imaging is paramount. We are now able to obtain sub mSv, high quality volumetric cardiac CT scans. SURESubtraction for angiographic studies has produced excellent results, particularly in bone removal at the base of the skull. The training and support from Canon was first-class and the radiographers have quickly learned the new interface of the Canon scanner. Innovative features such as SEMAR, Lateral Tech and Area Finder have all proved to have clinical and workflow benefits.”

Aquilion ONE GENESIS Edition transforms routine imaging to new levels of image detail and low contrast resolution, balanced for each clinical question at the right dose. It comes with Canon’s Dual Energy scanning including Dual Energy Composition Analysis and Dual Energy Raw Data Analysis.

The system at Castle Hill includes an array of software including FIRST, the world’s first integrated solution which utilises forward projection iterations to deliver high-quality images with up to 82 percent dose reduction. A full volumetric reconstruction for routine clinical use can be obtained in just three minutes. Other features include SURE Coronary Subtraction, Variable Helical Parameter (vHP), Adaptive Motion Correction  and Area Finder.

Photo Caption: Shown left to right, standing: Helen Wright, Senior CT Radiographer; Dr. Nadia Jawad, Radiology Registrar; Bridie Hutchings, Senior CT Radiographer; Dawn Latham, CISW; Nicola Webster, CT Speciality Manager; and Ruth Rowe, Account Manager, Canon Medical Systems. Seated on the left, Andrew Stephens, CT Section Manager, and on the right Heather Dring, CT Applications Specialist, Canon Medical Systems.

North Manchester General Hospital, part of the Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, recently replaced a twelve year old Canon image intensifier-based system, in its ERCP room, with the latest version of Canon’s Ultimax-i. The replacement is the second Ultimax-i unit to be installed at the hospital in the last two years, the acquisitions being an important investment and it is anticipated they will improve fluoroscopy services available to patients across the Pennine Acute Trust, by using the latest imaging technology.

Helena Hill, Specialist Interventional/Fluoroscopy Radiographer, says, “We chose Canon as we have had previous experience of the company’s X-ray equipment, and we have found the Ultimax to be extremely reliable and hardworking. In addition, it has always provided the best image quality and dose reduction. Another of the main reasons for our choice is the customer service that Canon provides.  Canon stood out over other suppliers, as we find the customer service second-to-none. Having local engineers makes such a difference as to how quickly we can get an answer to a query or fault. An engineer is always available, either on the phone, or will attend the hospital, if needed. The response is very prompt – we have never waited long for assistance and the personnel at the end of the phone are very friendly and helpful.”  Helena continues, “The applications training was superb and we have found the specialists always willing to answer any questions, no matter how trivial. They are excellent at what they do and we know that we are always able to call on them if needed.”  

The new system enables the hospital to increase efficiency, whilst providing a higher degree of patient comfort than ever before. The Ultimax-i is flexible and versatile, capable of performing multi-purpose imaging with a large field-of-view and excellent image quality. Its innovative design, with a multi-directional interactive digital C-arm, facilitates all gastrointestinal studies, interventional radiology and angiographic procedures, with anatomical coverage from head-to-toe and shoulder-to-shoulder on even the tallest patients.

Following the initial positioning of the patient, the Ultimax-i can be moved to any orientation required, without the need for additional patient movement. In addition, the system has integrated anti-collision technology to protect the patient at all times and a comprehensive dose reduction programme that ensures maximum diagnostic information at the lowest possible dose.

Commenting on the installation, Helena says, “We now have two Ultimax-i systems in place and they have helped to reduce our waiting lists significantly. With one of the rooms, it has enabled us to continue with ERCP procedures as, without the room being replaced, these could not have gone ahead.  We have also been able to reduce our doses significantly with our two new rooms. For the installation last year, the room was redecorated and remodelled to provide an extra door into the room for safety reasons”.

Photo caption: Shown left to right, Jackie Coleman, Endoscopy; Gemma Sangster, Senior Radiographer; Colin Murray, Account Manager, Canon Medical Systems; Helena Hill, Lead Radiographer; Andrew Mayes, Clinical Applications Specialist, Canon Medical Systems, and Gillian Hill and Vivian Waller, Endoscopy.

Canon Medical Systems recently supplied Warwick Hospital with a state-of-the-art Aquilion Prime SP CT scanner, including an upgrade to their Vitrea Enterprise system, providing advanced visualisation solutions for both Aquilion CT scanners at Warwick.

Beverley Bradley, CT/MRI Lead Radiographer says, “We have been so pleased with the Canon Aquilion CX installed at Warwick seven years ago, that out choice for the Aquilion Prime SP as a second CT scanner was an easy one to make. Low doses, reliability, ease-of-use and excellent customer support were all influencing factors. Having a second scanner has enabled us to significantly improve our throughput, helping to reduce waiting times and to relieve the pressure placed upon the service from having a single CT scanner within the Trust. We are particularly impressed with the rapid image reconstruction and integrated software packages the Aquilion Prime SP offers. The noticeable reduction in post-processing applications has already impacted upon our productivity.”

Productivity is enhanced with the Aquilion Prime SP’s integrated workflow solutions, which render even the most complex tasks easy. The new all three phase variable Helical Parameters (vHP3) provides the flexibility to perform three separate scans into a seamless acquisition to potentially save radiation dose, contrast dose, or both.  Overall fast scan times make vHP3 compliant to the needs of the patient, and shorten exam times for trauma imaging when every second is critical.  A single series reconstruction enables several studies to be interpreted simultaneously for faster reading.

Photo caption: Shown left to right, back row, standing Oliver Letchford, Radiographer; Beverley Bradley, CT/MRI Lead radiographer; Barnaby Harrison, Account Manager, and Nicola Venuto Project Manager, both of Canon Medical Systems. Seated in front, left to right, Samantha Randall, Senior Radiographer; Nicky Dillow, CT Senior Radiographer and Professor Rakesh Sinha, Radiology Clinical Director

Official partner status awarded for successful efforts across sustainability, gender equality and welfare by United Nations’ Division for Sustainable Development Goals (DSDG)

Diagnostic imaging systems provider, Canon Medical Systems UK, has been officially recognised with partner status from the United Nations’ Division for Sustainable Development Goals (DSDG). This significant success comes as a result of its continued sustainability efforts through its CarbonZero programme that is leading to improvements in the health and welfare of people in Uganda and Kenya.

Canon Medical Systems’ CarbonZero project has achieved four sustainable development goals which led to the partner accolade from the United Nations. These include (3) Good Health and Wellbeing; (5) Gender Equality; (6) Clean Water And Sanitation; and (13) Climate Action, all resulting in activities that reduce C02 emissions from the burning of firewood and repairing clean water boreholes. This guarantees that Canon Medical Systems’ customers receive a carbon neutral product while helping to deliver livelihood and environmental benefits in Africa.

The Division for Sustainable Development Goals (DSDG), part of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), plays a key role in the evaluation of the UN’s implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. At the core of this are 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that together represent an urgent call to action for businesses to end poverty, improve health and education, reduce inequality and spur economic growth. When a company delivers the development goals, they are awarded the official UN partner status, accredited by Gold Standard.

Mark Hitchman, Managing Director of Canon Medical Systems UK, said, “As a leading healthcare technology provider, improving the lives of people across our planet is something we are incredibly passionate about – it is part of this company’s DNA. That is why it is of great importance to us that we take good care not only of people, but also of the environment we all share. We are honoured to have achieved UN partner status in recognition of our efforts and contribution to the wider good.”

The four SDGs include:

(3) Good Health and Wellbeing – Distributing fuel-efficient cookstoves through The Kenyan Energy efficient stove project has resulted in a 50% reduction in the need for firewood; less firewood means a reduction in smoke, reducing the likelihood of life-threatening respiratory conditions.

(5) Gender equality – Through local borehole regeneration, the task of collecting fresh water, usually by women and children, is less onerous as it also no longer requires sterilisation on an open fire. This in turn means women are able to play a greater role within society and more children can attend school, improving gender equality and education.

(6) Clean Water and Sanitation – Supplying families with clean water significantly reduces the need to burn firewood for sterilisation and limits the threat of disease. One borehole user said, “The water we drank was always dirty and I worried my children would become sick with typhoid or other water-borne diseases. Our lives have improved so much since the borehole was repaired.”

(13) Climate Action – A key aim is to reduce the amount of carbon emitted into the atmosphere. The result of this to date has been a total offset of C02 emissions of 27,476 tonnes.

Canon Medical Systems will continue its efforts and is working towards a further eight of the SDGs. Through its work with carbon projects developer CO2balance, it supports initiatives that offset the C02 emissions caused through production and distribution of its products, as well as the company’s corporate carbon footprint. Canon Medical Systems has been running its CarbonZero programme since 2014 and is still the only UK medical equipment provider to be a carbon neutral business.

Mark Hitchman concluded: “C02 in the earth’s atmosphere is a critical problem and if we don’t take action, it will lead to unpredictable changes in our global climate system. As customers look to business to define a purpose beyond profit, this announcement is testament to Canon Medical Systems’ focus on improving welfare in developing countries at the same time as improving health outcomes in the UK. This is very much in line with our corporate philosophy “Kyosei” which means living and working together for the common good.”

Photo captions: Canon Medical Systems UK awarded UN partner status as a result of Kenyan Energy Efficient Stove Project and Ugandan Borehole Project