3D cam gets to heart of matter at Raigmore Hospital
Doctors in Inverness’ Raigmore Hospital are using state-of-the-art new equipment to get 3-D pictures of patients’ hearts.
Previously, they relied on two-dimensional images to help them diagnose cardiac conditions but the new kit allows them to get a real-time, three-dimensional view of the heart.
“It is a big step forward in the diagnoses of patients with heart conditions,” said consultant cardiologist Dr Peter Clarkson.
“Through this amazing, cutting-edge technology we are able to get a much clearer picture of what’s going on in the heart. That allows us to get a clearer diagnosis earlier, and it means that our surgeons can get a much more detailed picture of the heart before they actually operate.
“It will potentially allow us to treat more patients comprehensively and locally.”
Dr Clarkson said the echo probe produced images much like the 3-D virtual tours of, for example, streets or hotels that are available online.
The technology is particularly beneficial in cases where there may be structural heart problems. It’s estimated that it will be used on up to 80 patients a year, some of whom would have previously been sent to Edinburgh if 3D imaging was thought necessary.
Echo probe images are generally obtained transthoracically – using a probe placed on the chest wall – although Dr Clarkson this week did Raigmore’s first 3-D scan from a patient’s oesophagus, which give an even clear picture of the heart.
“The results were spectacularly clear – much better than would have been available to us previously,” said Dr Clarkson.
He added: “We are all very excited to have this technology, which will improve our ability to make accurate diagnoses quickly.”
The new equipment cost a total of £250,000, money which had been allocated under NHS Highland’s capital programme, and replaces the hospital’s eight-year-old ultrasound equipment.
