AI backed robotic imaging system boosts hybrid surgical theatre

MedTech News: Queensland’s most advanced hybrid theatre equipped with state-of-the-art robotic imaging system, the ARTIS pheno, and new Connected OR software opened recently. 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.

St Vincent’s Private Hospital Northside’s robotic angiography system from 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.

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.”

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 imaging 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.

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.”

Michael Shaw, Managing Director, Siemens Healthineers ANZ, said 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.”