Monthly Archives: July 2020

Canon Medical’s Aplio systems selected for image quality, compact size & ergonomics

The Obstetric Department at Bedford Hospital, part of Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, has installed two new Aplio a450 diagnostic ultrasounds to replace aging units. The new systems introduce refreshed imaging technology and continue a long-standing imaging relationship between the Trust and Canon Medical Systems UK.

“The new Aplio systems are great all-rounders for our obstetric and gynaecology needs, introducing better image quality with clearer resolution than we had before. The new technology gives a greater depth of image penetration that is much better for technically challenging patient cases such as those with high BMIs,” states Caroline Byrne, Modality Lead for Ultrasound at Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. “The Aplio systems are also suitably compact for the restricted space that they operate in, lighter to manoeuvre and with better user ergonomics.”

“The Aplio range of diagnostic ultrasound systems is designed to increase clinical confidence in imaging outputs and expand the capabilities of hospital departments,” states Iain Dunn, Account Manager at Canon Medical Systems UK. “It is great news that Bedford Hospital has re-selected our systems and service for its obstetrics department. Further sales have since been secured in the radiology and interventional departments, and we look forward to working together in the future.”

Photo caption: The Obstetric Department at Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has introduced two new Aplio a450 diagnostic ultrasounds from Canon Medical.

Pictured left to right: Elizabeth Ash, Sonographer; Sarah Kennard, Sonographer; Christian Kasmeridis, Deputy Director Radiology & Emergency Departments; Lisa Wright, Ultrasound Applications Specialist at Canon Medical Systems; Caroline Byrne, Modality Lead for Ultrasound; and Christine Somervell, Sonographer.

Patient dose up to 90% below UK National Diagnostic Reference Levels

A Deep Learning Reconstruction Artificial Intelligence (AI) innovation, built into an Aquilion ONE GENESIS Edition CT scanner from Canon Medical Systems UK, is delivering a ‘new era’ of patient imaging at Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Patient dose reductions of up to 90% below National Diagnostic Reference Levels (NDRLs) have been achieved at Leighton Hospital in Crewe using the Advanced intelligent Clear-IQ Engine (AiCE), a Deep Learning Reconstruction AI algorithm integrated into its new Canon Medical CT scanner. The low doses have even been achieved when examining traditionally difficult to image patients such as severely ill patients with their arms by their sides, patients unable to hold their breath and bariatric patients.

“Advanced Deep Learning Reconstruction of clinical images using Advanced intelligent Clear-IQ Engine (AiCE) heralds a new era in CT. It enables phenomenal patient dose reduction, up to 90% below the National Diagnostic Reference Levels, at the same time as providing extremely high-quality clinical images and all in a rapid timeframe suitable for everyday clinical use. This goes far beyond model-based iterative reconstruction on CT and as Canon Medical was first to innovate in this area, it offers the most mature system of this kind,” states Dr Richard Hawkins, Consultant Radiologist at Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

He continues, “The clinical images generated using Advanced intelligent Clear-IQ Engine (AiCE) are much more natural and acceptable in appearance to radiologists reporting on cases. Previously, with model-based iterative reconstruction, the images looked as if they had been painted with watercolours. This is a great improvement – once you see them you’ll never look back. As a department we have always been very proactive when it comes to keeping patient dose down and our experiences of using the system every day for in inpatients and outpatients has exceeded our expectations. Advanced intelligent Clear-IQ Engine (AiCE) is a game changer for radiology.”

“Advancements in Artificial Intelligence to further the capacity and capabilities of radiology are very exciting. It isn’t theory or pilot studies, it is real and being used in the UK by busy NHS hospitals to power the improvement in patient care, speed-up processes and empower clinical confidence,” states Mark Thomas, CT Modality Manager at Canon Medical. “Advanced intelligent Clear-IQ Engine (AiCE) is trained using a deep learning algorithm to differentiate ‘noise’ from true signal, reducing distortions, preserving edges and maintaining details in image outputs at the same time as achieving lower doses than ever seen before in routine CT imaging.”

Photo caption: Leighton Hospital, part of Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, is one of the first NHS hospitals using Advanced intelligent Clear-IQ Engine (AiCE), a Deep Learning Reconstruction AI algorithm on its Aquilion ONE GENESIS Edition CT scanner from Canon Medical Systems UK. [Picture taken pre-Covid-19]

Pictured L to R: (Rear) Tamzin Culverhouse, Medical Imaging Assistant; Alex Finnie, Senior Radiographer; Matt Simpson, Consultant Radiologist; Barnaby Harrison, Account Manager at Canon Medical Systems UK. (Front) Justin Edwards, Advanced Radiographer Practitioner; Sophie Vaux, Senior Radiographer; Dr Richard Hawkins, Consultant Radiologist; and Mark Thompson, Medical Imaging Assistant.

School children meet & greet with Manchester United first team players part of
Canon Medical’s collaboration with Sheffield Sharks Basketball Club RESPECT initiative

Despite the challenges of coronavirus in 2020, the collaboration between Canon Medical and B-Braun Sheffield Sharks professional basketball team continues to flourish. This partnership highlights the positive issues of community respect and educating about anti-social activity and cyber bullying prevention. Although interaction plans for the RESPECT community outreach initiatives in South Yorkshire, such as citizenship workshops and sports coaching, have altered this year due to the virus pandemic, keeping in touch with vulnerable school children and supporting teachers has continued.

Prior to the pandemic and social distancing measures, a group of year 6 primary school children were rewarded for their energy and determination following a win at an inter-schools basketball tournament arranged by the RESPECT campaign. The winners had a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ visit to Manchester United Football Club for a behind the scenes stadium tour, plus a meet and greet with first team players including Tim Fosu-Mensah, Nemanja Matic and Sergio Romero.

The visit to Manchester United Football Club was arranged by Canon Medical who is the Official Medical Systems Partner’ to the premier league team. The tour included a walk around the stadium and through the player’s tunnel; a visit to the dugout, dressing rooms, museum, press and trophy rooms; and was followed by lunch in the Directors suite.

Positive role modelling in sports and life is part of the philosophy of the RESPECT programme. Sheffield Sharks players and RESPECT leaders have real-life stories to tell of growing up in challenging circumstances and how choosing a path of sport enabled them to gain skills and stay trouble free. The RESPECT programme aims to inspire and engage children from all walks of life with sports, social and citizenship skills and often works in conjunction with local agencies such as South Yorkshire Police and Fire & Rescue Service.

“Understanding the positive principles of team sport and learning directly from role models is a vital part of helping young people believe in themselves and understand the value of community,” states Mark Hitchman, Managing Director of Canon Medical Systems UK. “Taking the right path in life is not only important to individuals, but also to the areas they live in. A positive sense of community makes our city streets safer and helps to make the world we live in a safer, kinder place.”

“We can’t thank Canon Medical enough as our RESPECT sponsors for being instrumental in giving a once-in-a-lifetime experience to children from one of our outreach schools. It is a day the children, many from disadvantaged backgrounds, will never forget and we hope it will give them the inspiration and determination to aim high and be whatever they want to be,” states Marko Backovic, Sheffield Sharks’ Head of Community.