At the 2016 meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA; 27 November–2 December, Chicago, USA), Siemens Healthineers has unveiled the robot-supported ARTIS pheno angiography system, which was developed for use in interventional radiology, minimally invasive surgery, and interventional cardiology. In addition to possessing a zen40HDR flat panel detector and GIGALIX X-ray tube (designed to provide outstanding image quality), the ARTIS pheno also has new 2k recording technology capable of delivering 2D imaging resolution that is four times higher in all recording processes than prior Siemens Healthineers systems.
A press release reports that the system’s StructureScout feature can adapt and optimise imaging parameters to suit the X-rayed area, potentially resulting in less radiation dose than prior Siemens Healthineers systems. The ARTIS pheno also supports the treatment of multimorbid patients and can be fitted with a comprehensive range of optional software applications for complex cases. And to aid with infection control, the ARTIS pheno has large, sealed surfaces with fewer spaces, which are easy to clean and disinfect.
Patients often suffer from multiple health issues that can complicate minimally invasive procedures or render them impossible. Older patients, in particular, face additional risks due to chronic disease. The ARTIS pheno angiography system helps facilities respond accordingly. Because it can scan up to 15% faster in the body area than prior Siemens Healthineers systems, the system’s syngo DynaCT clinical software application can produce 3D images that use less contrast media, thus decreasing the load on the patient’s kidneys. And to accommodate contrast-sensitive patients, ARTIS pheno supports CO2 imaging of extremities. The system follows the tilted patient table and increases CO2visibility within the patient via its new StructureScout feature.
The ARTIS pheno’s C-arm is 5 inches wider than its predecessor system, the Artis zeego, and has a free inner diameter of 37.6 inches, which offers more space for handling adipose patients and enables use of longer instruments. The system’s multi-tilt table is designed to accommodate patients up to 617 pounds. The end of the table can tilt up and down to stabilise patient blood pressure or facilitate breathing, for example. And like the Artis zeego, the ARTIS pheno’s robotic construction provides a flexible isocenter, so it can follow all table positions while representing the patient’s target area from virtually any angle.
Surgeons must be able to work easily while standing so they can perform lengthy operations without fatigue. They also must maintain optimum access within the operating area. Recognising these needs, Siemens Healthineers designed the easy-float tabletop of the ARTIS pheno multi-tilt table to be easily moveable, regardless of the tabletop’s tilt or the patient’s weight. The ARTIS pheno recognises the tabletop’s position at all times and automatically aligns to the tabletop. The memory positions allow the system to move the C-arm out of the operating area quickly and move it back to the same position for further imaging, so surgeons can check results directly during the operation.
