The hospital has become only the second in Africa to have installed the cutting-edge Artis Zeego. However, what sets apart Sunward Park's use of the equipment is the fact that its configuration is claimed to be entirely unique, resulting in a hybrid laboratory that focuses on both cardio and vascular as well as neurological studies.
This is important, comments Sunward Park Hospital manager James du Plessis, as the hospital is now able to provide care to cardiac patients. What is more, as a cardiac centre of excellence, the hospital can look forward to attracting some of the country's leading surgeons in this field.
Already three new vascular surgeons have joined the team following the Artis Zeego installation. Du Plessis believes that this is thanks to the equipment's singular technology, which offers functionality unavailable anywhere else. "There is no doubt that this is the very best technology available, which opens a lot of opportunities to us."
Carlo Blanckaert, key account manager for the Netcare Group at Siemens, explains that the Artis Zeego is the first ever interventional C-arm system that employs robotic technology, which is a feature that sets it apart from other units currently on offer. It is said to be the first machine in the world to offer such exceptional flexibility and unique imaging applications making it an ideal system for a hybrid laboratory. The Zeego's software configuration is also unique, as it allows cardiologists and vascular surgeon to conduct a wide array of procedures each with specific imaging requirements. Advanced navigation capabilities and advanced software such as intraoperative 3D imaging will also play a key role for the neurosurgeon.
Included with this system is a PACS (Patient Archive Computer System) where resulting diagnostic images can be stored and shared with other Netcare hospitals which have a cardiovascular division. Its large, integrated flat panel is yet another first.
According to Du Plessis, there were still more features that encouraged the hospital to embrace the new technology. For instance, Sunward Park's practitioners were impressed by the Zeego's custom design, which aids easy storage, so that surgeons can avoid the usual clutter of equipment suspended from theatre ceilings.
"Of course, the scope of the equipment is a major plus. It can, for example, conduct an angiogram as well as a full vascular examination with minimal invasiveness. The equipment can also be expanded as necessary in order to extend to other disciplines, such as neurology," Du Plessis comments.
