A state of the art scanner that can provide surgeons with instant CT-quality images during complex brain and spinal surgery has been launched at Salford Royal.
The O-Arm scanner provides surgeons with real-time 3D images while the patient is still in the operating theatre. The O-arm facilitates computer-navigated surgery as well as helping to ensure that spinal implants are positioned correctly.
Salford Royal is only the fifth NHS Trust in the country to install an O-Arm scanner and the first in Greater Manchester.
The O-Arm can also be used during deep brain stimulation (DBS), brain tumour surgery and during treatment for hydrocephalus – a build-up of fluid on the brain. Salford Royal is the first Trust in the UK to use the scanner during DBS surgery.
Patients undergoing such surgery are currently transferred, under general anaesthetic, to another part of the hospital to have a CT scan before returning to theatre once the surgeon is satisfied with the positioning of implants or pinning.
John Leach, Consultant Neurosurgeon at Salford Royal, said: “Bringing the O-arm to Salford Royal is a first for Greater Manchester and we are the first hospital in the UK that will be using the scanner for a number of neurosurgery sub-specialties.
“One of our theatres has been given a complete refurbishment, including lead-lined walls, in preparation for the installation of the scanner.
“By investing in this hi-tech piece of equipment we are reducing the risk of complications occurring, which as a result is making surgery even safer for our patients.”
The scanner can be used at any point during surgery and helps to reduce the time a patient spends in theatre.
