Melbourne, 03 April 2008
Mater Private Hospital Brisbane has aligned with Qscan to deliver an Australian first technological solution that will significantly assist the diagnosis and treatment for patients with cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in Australia.
The Siemens state-of-the-art equipment, comprising a SOMATOM Definition Dual Source Computed Tomography (CT) Scanner at Qscan located at Mater Private Clinic and an Artis Zee biplane flat panel detector located in the Mater Private Hospital’s CardioVascular Unit will together create a strategic alliance that can greatly improve the speed of diagnosing and treating many cardiovascular patients.
This recently installed world class equipment provides a much quicker, safer and seamless journey for the patient, and in many cases eliminating the need for an invasive diagnostic procedure. Both machines also have the potential added benefit of significantly reducing radiation exposure for patients.
Demonstrating superior technology the two new pieces of equipment further enhance cardiovascular services at Mater Private Hospital Brisbane and provide a complete diagnostic cardiac care solution for patients.
“If a patient presents with undiagnosed chest pain at our Emergency Department, the treating doctor can obtain rapid access to diagnostic cardiac images through the Siemens Dual Source CT scanner at Qscan and a determination can then be made as to whether the patient requires further interventional procedures through the Mater Private CardioVascular Unit,” Mater Private Hospital Executive Director Mr Don Murray said.
“Through a solid partnership between radiologists, cardiologists and staff in the Mater Private CadioVascular Unit, the process of diagnosis and treatment is truly integrated to provide a patient care experience second-to-none.”
“There are no other set ups currently like this in Queensland and very few in Australia. It is a potentially lifesaving combination, that saves precious time when every second counts,” he said.
According to Cardiothoracic Radiologist, Dr Mark Hansen, the Siemens Dual Source CT scan provides a rapid, clear and highly accurate 3D cardiac image that facilitates prompt diagnosis and is a non-invasive procedure.
“The Siemens Dual Source CT Scanner takes images of the heart as it beats which removes the need for certain types of procedures, for example heart patients no longer have to take beta blockers to slow the heart rhythm to ensure clearer images. Also, the imagery is so precise there is no need for angiography which is an x-ray examination of blood vessels or lymphatics following an injection of a radiopaque substance.”
“The images are so detailed and visually impressive, patients are now able to see what is happening inside them – it provides patients with on the spot answers, not questions, which can help to alleviate their stress and manage their disease more effectively,” Dr Hansen said.
The installation of the Siemens Artis Zee biplane flat panel detector in the Mater Private CardioVascular Unit is a first for Australasia and completes the journey for the patient if further treatment is required.
“The new generation biplane flat panel detector is the most advanced model of its kind and enables clinicians to perform complex interventional cardiac procedures,” Mr Murray said.
“It boasts higher image quality and improved features including upgraded software, which benefit both the patient and the clinician. It is faster, safer and ultimately better for the patient.”
“Cardiovascular disease kills one Australian every ten minutes and with technology such as the Siemens Dual Source CT Scanner and the Artis Zee biplane flat panel detector continuing to advance, we are in a much stronger position to tackle this growing community problem,” he said.