Sonialvision G4: MRI Bethanien in Zurich, Switzerland focuses on multi-purpose equipment
Fluoroscopy and conventional X-raying in the smallest of spaces
Duisburg, October 20, 2014
When the Medical Radiological Institute “MRI” at the private hospital Bethanien in Zurich intended to buy modern equipment for fluoroscopy and radiography, the quality and functionality of the device, the service quality and the price were of primary importance.
“The capacity was meant to be increased and the existing space was to be used optimally“, Dr. Thomas Vollrath, board certified radiologist, describes the demanding requirements of MRI Bethanien. The institute’s range of services comprises all established radiological methods, including MRT, CT, digital X-ray, mammography, ultrasound and nuclear medicine.
While the MRI was looking for the optimal solution, Fujifilm (Switzerland) presented a multi-purpose examination room, comprising Shimadzu’s high-performance R/F-system Sonialvision G4 combined with a ceiling-mounted 3D X-ray tube support, a bucky stand and an additional mobile FPD.
The best-in-class Sonialvision G4 represents the new generation of premium R/F-devices. The digital G4 system has been completely revised with innovations in all areas, including dose reduction and enhanced image quality, simplified processes and improved patient comfort.
In addition to the new acquisition of the system, the entire examination room was renovated and redesigned. Until then, the MRI Bethanien had different systems in two rooms. The Sonialvision G4 now combines the former applications for fluoroscopy and radiography in one small examination room of only 27 m². “This offers us the great advantage of patients no longer having to be moved, which is very comfortable for them”, says Franziska Bissig. “The mobile FPD is compatible with our second X-ray room and offers us additional flexibility for further emergency and bedside examinations.”
According to Dr. Vollrath, the co-operation between Fujifilm, Shimadzu, construction site management and the representatives of the MRI Bethanien was very good, from the consultation phase, via the installation to the application and the training program. “Since May 26, 2014, we have very successfully been using the Sonialvision G4 in our regular operations. There were no problems at all integrating it into the existing infrastructure. We are very satisfied with our choice and would thus opt for the solution by Shimadzu and Fujifilm again at any time.”
Every day, the Sonialvision G4 is used to perform five to ten classic fluoroscopy examinations and interventional operations, in addition to 10 to 20 conventional radiological images. With its 43 x 43 cm large FPD, the X-ray table of the Sonialvision G4 offers large long-view examinations of the patient from head to toe so that the MRI Bethanien is able to additionally perform digital slot radiography. Within a very short time, slot radiography provides high-resolution, homogeneous and dose-reduced long-view imaging (e.g. full leg and full spine imaging). “In our experience, we have been able to improve in all respects. The Shimadzu system is simply newer, more modern and more manageable as well as easy to operate”, Dr. Vollrath summarizes.
As they had been in place for many years, the staff at the MRI Bethanien was very familiar with the work processes required by the former systems. Initially, the staff was sceptical about how to cope with changing to a fully digital system by a different manufacturer. “But then, the image quality of the system convinced them right from the start. The operation is also intuitive and shortens the work processes so that the staff quite quickly got used to the new equipment”, reports Ms. Franziska Bissig, supervising radiographer.
Within a short time, the staff learnt to appreciate many advantages of the new system, e.g. the X-ray table, which can be lowered to 47 cm and thus allows easier access for children, older patients or patients with limited mobility. Another valued benefit is the combination of X-ray tube and detector covering the examination area of more than 200 cm longitudinally without the table top having to be positioned as well. “In our small examination room we can thus avoid any possible collisions, for example with infusion stands”, Franziska Bissig adds. “Besides, it is very helpful that the patient mattress can be fixed to the top lateral mounting while standing and that the handles can be fixed quickly and easily.”