New AI backed Robotic Imaging system bolsters Queensland's most advanced Hybrid Theatre

By SVPHN staff

St Vincent’s Private Hospital Northside opened Queensland’s most advanced hybrid theatre equipped with state-of-the-art robotic imaging system, the ARTIS pheno, and new Connected OR software from Stryker on Monday 19 October 2020. This suite offers patients minimally invasive cardiovascular and endovascular surgery, with faster recovery times and shorter hospital stays while keeping the theatre connected within the hospital like never before.

The robotic angiography system from leading medical technology company Siemens Healthineers, is part of a $11 million investment made by the hospital to allow a multidisciplinary team of cardiologists, radiologists and surgeons to effectively and efficiently treat complex cardiovascular conditions with innovative surgical techniques.

Advanced artificial intelligence

The AI backed technology enables and facilitates both pre-procedural planning and intraoperative guidance with immediate assessment. When in motion, the robotic C-arm imaging device can be moved over or under any part of a patient’s body, delivering three-dimensional, high-definition imaging that allows surgeons to observe the progress and accuracy of their work on monitors in theatre in real-time. The new system and hybrid theatre model means clinicians can have access to the highest quality imaging1 to conduct complex procedures with minimal trauma to the patient, using techniques at the forefront of medical practice.

Importantly, it also permits treatment of virtually any patient, regardless of size, condition, or positioning needs, meaning particularly elderly or frail patients will become eligible for life-changing cardiac and endovascular procedures, previously deemed too risky through more open or invasive methods. While the advanced communication software allows staff, patients and loved ones to be contacted from directly within the theatre suite via a safe and secure messaging system.

Procedures made possible with the AI backed technology also mean comprehensive infection control standards are maintained as minimally invasive surgery is associated with steep reductions in rates of surgical site infections2. Paired with ARTIS pheno’s features including its antimicrobial painting, increased patient safety is ensured.

Investing in our capability

Oli Steele, St Vincent’s Private Hospital Northside CEO, said “our investment in the new state-of-the-art hybrid operating theatre comes as part of our commitment to be responsive to change, innovate and deliver new services to provide excellent healthcare. The Hospital is one of Queensland’s leading private cardiac service providers so we are proud to extend this leadership with the opening of our new theatre, which will improve the clinical outcomes of patients across the state."

Dr Simon Quinn and Dr Nigel Pinto, Endovascular Surgeons at St Vincent’s Private Hospital Northside, said the installation means great improvements for patient care and outcomes.
“Over the past decade there have been huge advancements in surgical procedures through technology like the ARTIS pheno, enabling us to offer minimally invasive procedures in place of what was traditionally open surgery. This brings considerable benefits for patients, including faster procedures and recovery times and significantly reduced hospital stays.‘
“Hybrid theatres equipped with cutting edge tools are the future of surgery and we are thrilled to have these capabilities at our fingertips."

According to Interventional Cardiologists Prof Darren Walters and A/Prof Con Aroney AM from St Vincent’s Private Hospital Northside, the increased imaging capability is instrumental for sought after treatment across surgical specialties.

“There is a growing need in the community for interventional procedures around cardiovascular disease. The installation of the state-of-the-art hybrid operating theatre will help enhance and grow existing cardiac non- surgical percutaneous minimally invasive treatment services available at St Vincent’s Private Hospital Northside, in addition to serving as a platform for endovascular surgical services at the hospital. It will accommodate complex surgical work including advanced cardiac and endovascular clinical procedures, for diseases which place a heavy burden on our community.”

Partnering with world leaders

Michael Shaw, Managing Director, Siemens Healthineers ANZ, says the move to introduce the revolutionary hybrid robotic imaging system to the region is a positive step for the community.
“We are proud to partner with St Vincent’s Private Hospital Northside to make Queensland’s most advanced hybrid theatre equipped with the ARTIS pheno available to patients in need. The ARTIS pheno is at the forefront of our commitment to expand precision medicine and transform care delivery, ultimately improving patient experience while creating efficiencies for our partners and the healthcare system more broadly.”

Siemens Healthineers AG (listed in Frankfurt, Germany: SHL) is shaping the future of Healthcare. As a leading medical technology company headquartered in Erlangen, Germany, Siemens Healthineers enables healthcare providers worldwide through its regional companies to increase value by empowering them on their journey towards expanding precision medicine, transforming care delivery, improving the patient experience, and digitalizing healthcare. Siemens Healthineers is continuously developing its product and service portfolio, with AI-supported applications and digital offerings that play an increasingly important role in the next generation of medical technology. These new applications will enhance the company’s foundation in in-vitro diagnostic, image-guided therapy, and in-vivo diagnostics. Siemens Healthineers also provides a range of services and solutions to enhance healthcare providers’ ability to provide high-quality, efficient care to patients. In fiscal 2019, which ended on September 30, 2019, Siemens Healthineers, which has approximately 52,000 employees worldwide, generated revenue of €14.5 billion and adjusted profit of €2.5 billion. Further information is available at www.siemens-healthineers.com.

St Vincent’s Private Hospital Northside

Treating more than 35,000 patients a year, St Vincent’s Private Hospital Northside is a leading Brisbane private hospital and part of Australia’s largest non-profit provider of health and aged care services, St Vincent’s Health Australia. The hospital is internationally renowned for its cardiac, orthopaedic and cancer care, with more than 185 specialists committed to pioneering new technologies and enhancing their medical and surgical skills. St Vincent’s Private Hospital Northside is committed to delivering exceptional nursing care, pursuing cutting-edge research, and embracing new and emerging technologies and therapies. St Vincent’s Health Australia is especially committed to people who are poor or vulnerable.

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