Euromedic enhances diagnostic imaging services with innovative CT and MRI techology

 

Technology first for Euromedic with Ireland’s first open bore 3T MRI and first adaptive computed tomograph.

 

Euromedic Ireland, one of Ireland’s leading diagnostic healthcare providers, has installed the latest in MRI and CT technology at two of its newly upgraded facilities in Northwood and Dundrum.

 

The first of its kind in Ireland, the MAGNETOM Verio from Siemens is a high-field, 3 Tesla MRI system that can be used in neurology and functional neuro evaluation, orthopaedic and cartilage assessment, breast, vascular and cardiac imaging. Boasting the strongest magnet field strength used clinically today, the Verio, which is installed in the Northwood facility, provides a welcome enhancement in resolution and precision, improving the chances of early diagnosis in a number of conditions.

 

"Three Tesla MR has traditionally been the reserve of high end diagnostic imaging in university or research institutions. Siemens Healthcare has now pushed the boundaries of innovation to offer the very latest equipment for mainstream clinical procedures and Euromedic is the one of the first in Ireland to incorporate this technology in their diagnostic capabilities," comments Kevin Dand, Head of Siemens Healthcare, Ireland.

 

Euromedic, who have made substantial investments in upgrading their facilities as part of their commitment to delivering the highest quality of patient care, have also invested in the latest innovation in CT imaging, the Siemens SOMATOM Definition AS +, for its facility in Dundrum.

The first of its kind in Ireland, the Somatom adapts to virtually any patient and any clinical need. Its 'Adaptive 4D-Spiral' capabilities enable entire organs and their functions to be imaged in a single scan. The Somatom's unequalled high temporal resolution of up to 150 ms, combined with extremely fast coverage at 128 slices per rotation, delivers crystal-clear images, free of movement artifacts and showing the finest anatomical details for all examinations. Other innovative features include the adaptive dose shield which eliminates unnecessary x-ray radiation.

 

"The new equipment from Siemens will greatly improve our diagnostic capabilities and provide greater flexibility of the services we can provide our patients. Patients can be assured that we are employing some of the latest, fastest and safest CT and MRI technology to quickly determine their best course of personalised treatment and care," commented Paddy Creedon, CEO Euromedic Ireland.

 

Both systems have a wider than normal open bore (SOMATOM CT is 78cm and the MAGNETOM is 70cm) and are wide enough to accommodate a diverse array of patients including individuals who have been traditionally hard to image, such as children, or those who have limited mobility, such as the elderly, as well as claustrophobic and obese patients. This comes at time when a recent study found that Irish radiology departments will have to tailor their equipment to cope with increasing numbers of obese patients.* 18% of adults in Ireland are obese and this figure is expected to rise by about 1% a year.**

 

Both the MAGNETOM Verio and the SOMATOM Definition AS+ offer significantly fasters speed over conventional systems, helping to make the experience more comfortable for patients, while helping Euromedic boost efficiency and reduce waiting times for patients.

 

*”Obesity in Ireland 2008: what radiological equipment is available to image the obese patient?” Campbell et al, Irish Medical Journal April 2009; 102(4):116-7 **National Taskforce on Obesity Report 2005

 

About Siemens Siemens is a global company providing products, systems, services and solutions for the industry, energy and healthcare sectors. The company employs over 1,000 highly skilled people in Ireland and has offices in Dublin and Cork. Siemens Healthcare sector is one of the world's largest suppliers to the healthcare industry. The company is a renowned medical solutions provider with core competence and innovative strength in diagnostic and therapeutic technologies as well as in knowledge engineering, including information technology and system integration. Siemens Healthcare is the first integrated healthcare company, bringing together imaging and lab diagnostics, therapy and healthcare information technology solutions. Siemens Healthcare delivers solutions across the entire continuum of care -- from prevention and early detection, to diagnosis, therapy and care.

 

About Euromedic Euromedic Ireland is a leading diagnostic healthcare provider offering services in: diagnostic imaging, clinical laboratories and health screening. Euromedic Ireland is part of Euromedic International, the largest Pan-European investor and operator of Public Private Partnership (PPP) healthcare services in imaging diagnostics, haemodialysis, pathology and radiotherapy. Euromedic entered Ireland in March 2007 with the acquisition of MRI Ireland. It since acquired four further diagnostic imaging centres, three in Dublin (Euromedic Dundrum, Euromedic Charlemont and Euromedic Northwood) and one in Cork (Euromedic Cork). Euromedic Ireland acquired the clinical laboratory service, Lablink (Euromedic Lablink) in 2009. Euromedic Mobile MRI provides MRI services to rural ares such as Castlebar, Thurles, Ballinasloe and Naas and fixed MRI services in Sligo General Hospital, in partnership with the HSE and in Euromedic Belfast, in partnership with the Ulster Independent Clinic. Euromedic Ireland currently employs 150 people in Ireland.