Despite their critical role in improving patient outcomes, medical equipment sometimes goes overlooked during medical emergencies or surgical procedures. A biplane angiography system was developed by Regency Specialist Hospital (Regency) to produce high-quality images with the least amount of radiation.
A type of X-ray called angiogram is used to examine blood arteries so that doctors can see any issues. Traditional angiograms and procedures are enhanced by this biplane angiography technology. With the aid of modern technology, it can accurately diagnose patients and direct medical staff members during interventional treatments in radiology and cardiology.
Explaining the benefits of the machine, Dr Yeow Kee Min, Consultant of Clinical Radiology and Interventional Radiology, Regency Specialist Hospital shares, “The biplane angiography system is technologically designed to deliver precise intraoperative diagnostic results, meaning it can deliver accurate imaging during surgery. This machine has a combination of two different detectors located in two different areas, allowing for improved guidance during treatments. As a result, high contrast resolution is produced at any angle and for any patient size.
“Angiography uses ionising radiation, producing a radiation dose which can be concerning if the dosage gets too high. With this biplane angiography system, healthcare professionals have access to high image quality in advanced 3D imaging and visualisation of details such as vessels, devices, tissues and bones without the need for increased radiation doses.”
Equipped with Precise Technology for Cardiovascular Surgery
Secondary cause of death among Malaysians was coronary heart disease. In comparison to traditional angiography devices, biplane angiography offers doctors and patients the technology to perform minimally invasive angiography more quickly and with lower radiation doses. With the help of this biplane angiography technology, it is possible to improve the diagnosis and management of complex situations.
The technique is also able to treat strokes and tumours in real-time in addition to improving clinical results for coronary artery disease. According to research, stroke is the third most common cause of death in Malaysia, and stroke patients tend to be between 54 and 63 years old on average.
The Biplane angiography system enhances clinical workflow by enabling medical personnel to rapidly record, evaluate, and edit images without having to bring patients to a CT scanner. In an emergency where time is of the essence, this capability is especially important.
Dr Paul Ling Kah Hing, Consultant of Cardiology and Internal Medicine, Regency Specialist Hospital added, “The Biplane angiography technology can detect and produce sharp images of moving objects and high contrast resolution even at steep angulations. This is especially important for complex cardiovascular diseases and their interventional treatment because the machine can still produce high-quality images of coronary arteries even when the patient is breathing or moving without any disruption to the quality of the image. The radiation doses are also reduced by 60% with the optimised x-ray pulse feature, making it much safer for the patient.”
Explaining the machine’s use and benefits for neurological patients, Dr Ganesan Arthimulam, Consultant of Clinical Radiology and Interventional Radiology, Regency Specialist Hospital said, “Biplane angiography technology with its proprietary x-ray tube provides for better visibility of the finer vessels that are located within our skull and brain. Its detector technology with a manoeuvrable C-arm, offers better image quality at any angles, helping doctors better understand each patient’s unique vascular anatomy and disease process. With this technology our interventionalists are able to decide on the optimal treatment approach to obtain the best possible outcome for our patients.”
Commenting on the new investment, Serena Yong, CEO of Regency Specialist Hospital, said, “At Regency, it has been a priority to look for new ways to improve the quality of care that we provide to our patients; this is why we have continually invested in technology, and this biplane angiography system produces high-quality images while emitting the least amount of radiation, so healthcare professionals are able to give patients the best care possible no matter how simple or intricate their cases. This is a testament to our commitment to advancing precision medicine at Regency for the highest quality of care for our patients not only in Southern Malaysia but across Asia.
“We believe it is critical to diagnose patients quickly and accurately to provide the right treatment without delay. Equipping our radiology departments with the new technological advancements in medicine is part of our enduring mission to achieve a higher quality of patient care in Southern Malaysia and beyond,” added Serena.
