Becomes the non-beta site to install Philips BrightView SPECT system
“Philips BrightView SPECT system is a major leap in the progression of nuclear medicine.”
- Julian B. Foreman, M.D.,
Medical Director of Radiology,
River Parishes Hospital
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, River Parishes Hospital (LaPlace, LA) found its nuclear medicine department in need of a new gamma camera “As we considered our options for replacing one of our two cameras, we were thrilled to discover Philips BrightView SPECT system. It not only satisfied our initial requirements, but it continues to exceed our expectations,” says Kyle Cason, CNMT, Nuclear Medicine, River Parishes Hospital. Amazed with BrightView’s compact design, superb image quality, versatility and overall performance the hospital decided to retire its other camera. Today, River Parishes is a one-system nuclear medicine department doing more and different studies in less time, and with greater ease.
Thinking big, going small
On September 17, 2007, River Parishes Hospital, a 106-bed, Level II Trauma Center became the non-beta site to install Philips BrightView SPECT system. Located 30 miles outside of New Orleans, the rural community hospital admits nearly 3,000 patients per year, treats more than 35,000 outpatients and logs more than 18,000 emergency department visits within the same time frame. As with most community hospitals, River Parishes is big on patient care and tight on space. Its nuclear medicine department is no exception.
“Despite our desire to acquire the most advanced gamma camera available, we were concerned that space constraints would limit our options, says Kyle. “However, when Philips introduced us to its BrightView SPECT system we quickly realized it was the perfect fit all the way around.” Combining exceptional image quality with a small footprint, Philips BrightView SPECT system is a fully featured variable angle camera that includes exclusive technologies designed to support ease of use and diagnostic confidence. “The system’s compact design allows us to have the best technology available — without sacrificing image quality,” says Kyle.
Delivering superb image quality, enhancing diagnostic confidence
According to Julian B. Foreman, M.D., Medical Director of Radiology, River Parishes Hospital, Philips BrightView SPECT system represents a major leap in the progression of nuclear medicine. “The camera produces wonderful pictures. I’m particularly excited about its 3D imaging and whole body capabilities. I can literally rotate the patient and see the whole body with more precision than ever before.”
Jody Garrard, Product Manager, Philips, points to a number of advanced and exclusive technologies that enable BrightView to deliver exceptional image quality. “BrightView includes Philips exclusive CloseUp technologies, which generate higher resolution images by minimizing the distance between the detectors and the patient,” says Jody. “For example, our exclusive BodyGuard feature automatically contours to the patient, using a unique customizable scan distance preset by the operator. While the system’s ultra-thin pallet and exceptionally small cardiac dead space also help improve both bone and cardiac image resolution. We also offer Astonish reconstruction software — with a patented dual-filtering technique that improves image quality or can reduce acquisition times by up to 50 percent for cardiac studies.”
“The first time we performed a spine study with Astonish we were speechless. We could see individual vertebrae in tremendous detail,” says Kyle. “ Astonish is particularly helpful when imaging sick or otherwise challenging patients. Just the other day I had a very ill patient who weighed over 350 lbs. I had six minutes to perform her myocardial perfusion study. Astonish allowed me to get her in and out in half the time. And acquire absolutely beautiful images in the process.”
Simplifying processes, increasing efficiencies
Fast and easy to use, BrightView’s customizable yet automated acquisition capabilities and tech-friendly design make it perfect for streamlining patient studies. “BrightView’s versatility is a key selling point,” says Kyle. “The system provides automated nuclear medicine studies, including myocardial perfusion, brain, multiple tumor imaging and total body scans, as well as total body SPECT studies with manual intervention as necessary. As a result, we’re performing our standard studies in less time, with greater ease and more detail.”
Kyle says the increased efficiencies are due in part to how easy it is to manipulate the camera. “One of my technologists is quite petite. She has no problem manipulating the camera to perform any number of studies, including changing the collimators. The hand-held remote control means we can quickly and easily adjust patient set-up, including the table and detectors, before and during the study. And our Philips JETStream acquisition stations allow us to make changes on the fly.” says Kyle. Additionally, BrightView accommodates bed and upright imaging. “Even though I have a very small room, BrightView’s small footprint makes it easy to fit a bed, stretcher or wheel chair into the room.”
Kyle and his staff also appreciate the numerous safety features embedded into the system and its ability to accommodate a wide range of patients. “We have a considerable population of large-size patients. BrightView’s table can accommodate folks up to 450 lbs and it’s low to the ground for easy access. The system’s automatic body contouring feature allows us to get close enough to capture stellar images yet remain a distance away from the patient. And a very large aperture in the gantry makes for the most open experience around,” says Kyle. “With BrightView, every body wins.”
Enhancing patient comfort, instilling confidence
Central to the River Parishes’ mission is its commitment to the patient — from providing an aesthetically pleasing environment, to ensuring quality medical care. In fact, each employee receives service training and personally pledges to put patient needs first. “The ability to create a comfortable patient experience was paramount in our decision to acquire Philips BrightView SPECT system,” says Kyle. “BrightView allows us to get patients in and out so fast that they don’t have time to get antsy. Plus, I’ve laid on the table and it’s great.”
Jerry Means, the first patient scanned on River Parishes’ new BrightView SPECT system, agrees. “I had two stress tests and an angioplasty two years ago. Those studies were performed on the hospital’s old machine. It did the job but it wasn’t nearly as a comfortable nor as fast as the new system.” Mr. Means explains, “On the new system, I had a lot more room to position my arms over my head and the tube seemed much larger. It also appeared that the system was more automated. I was finished before I knew it.”
Mr. Means, who had returned to River Parishes for a nuclear stress test, says that while he was particularly apprehensive about the possibility of needing another stent, it was Kyle’s professional attitude and compassion that helped calm his nerves. “Though I had to wait a couple of days for my physician to officially rule out the need for another stent, Kyle took time to show me the images he had captured of my heart. The resolution was great and the detail phenomenal. I left the exam room that day feeling confident that I had received the best medical care available.”
Looking forward, moving ahead
Philips BrightView SPECT system offers a wide range of innovations to help healthcare providers manage patient care. Dr. Foreman and Kyle agree that two months post installation, they’ve just barely scratched the surface of what BrightView can do. “Within a year, we’ll be able to do whatever the system is capable of doing,” says Dr. Foreman. “For now, our standard studies are better. We’re acquiring prettier images, quicker. Our patients are more comfortable. And we’re increasing referrals — all I have to do is bring in physicians and show them a heart beating from all directions and they’re sold.”
River Parishes Hospital is the world’s first non-beta site to install Philips BrightView SPECT system. Kyle Cason, CNMT, and Dr. Julian Foreman prepare Jerry Means, the first patient to use the hospital’s new system, for his scan.