Enhanced image quality, lower dose and quicker procedures to meet the increasing needs of ageing patient population in the area
Cardiac rhythm management and bradycardia pacemaker implantation services have been enhanced for patients at the Countess of Chester Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust following the installation of a new Alphenix Sky ceiling-mounted C-arm.
The bespoke pacing theatre, a turnkey project with Canon Medical Systems UK, included the replacement of a 15-year-old incumbent system with the latest interventional imaging technology to improve image quality, reduce dose and speed up procedures. The remodelling of the room also included lighting modifications to the right and left to enable greater versatility of pacing on both sides of the patient.
“Chester has a growing ageing population and our pacemaker workload is increasing year-on-year by about 7%. We do approximately 400 cases every year which makes us one of the bigger centres in the area. We’re also seeing an increased need of subpectoral pacemaker implantation, burying them a bit deeper, which previously meant patients were sent elsewhere for the procedure. Now, we have the set-up to do it here at the Countess of Chester Hospital in the Cath Lab with the Alphenix Sky. This is better for the patient as it potentially means a closer-to-home appointment. This is just one example of how by having the latest imaging equipment, we’re ready to seize new service opportunities that will improve patient experiences and outcomes into the future,” states Gareth Buckingham, Cath Lab Manager at the Countess of Chester Hospital.
“Having a new and productive pacing theatre adjoined to our cardiology day unit also really assists with our patient flow. We try and pace within 24 hours of referral as this is a ‘get it right first time’ objective for our region. A good, robust fixed C-arm has enhanced the image quality and quickened clinical interpretation. Improving quality was our aim, and this is what the Alphenix system has helped us deliver, adding further potential to keep evolving in tune with the future of healthcare,” adds Gareth Buckingham.
“The Canon Medical turnkey team was excellent to work with. The project was planned well in advance and collaboration with the wider hospital teams, such as IT networking, was superb. We had a good plan and kept on schedule, which was essential as we had to share any downtime with endoscopy or theatre,” concludes Gareth Buckingham.
“We have had a long relationship with the Countess of Chester Hospital and the enthusiasm of this Alphenix project has been fantastic as the hospital team embraced the new features, functionality, and versatility to tailor services for their patient cohort. We look forward to supporting them drive the dedicated pacing theatre forward and expanding the depth of work undertaken,” states Colin Murray, Account Manager at Canon Medical Systems UK.
Photo caption: Countess of Chester Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has installed a new Alphenix Sky ceiling-mounted C-arm from Canon Medical Systems UK. Pictured (L to R): Polly Taylor, Senior Radiographer; Amber Clarke, Staff Nurse; Sian Jones, Staff Nurse; Helen Myers, Healthcare Assistant; Gareth Buckingham, Cath Lab Manager; Jeanette Lovatt, Staff Nurse; Dennis Caulfield, Consultant Cardiologist; Marc Ivison, Service Team Leader, Midlands & North at Canon medical Systems UK; Raquel Domingues, Clinical Cardiac Physiologist.