Charing Cross Hospital, part of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust is the first in the UK to install an ACUSON S2000™ Automated Breast Volume Scanner (ABVS) from Siemens Healthcare. The system, located in the Breast Services Department, is ideal for patients with a history of breast disease on frequent image recall or radiographically dense breast tissue. Full field volumes of the breast enable rapid 3D analysis without significant compromise in image quality.
The ACUSON S2000 ABVS allows the operator to examine breast anatomy and pathology in detail and provides efficient semi-automated reporting for improved workflow. It uses a high frequency 14MHz automated transducer with a large 15cm by 17cm field-of-view and an ultra-high resolution 18 MHz high-density hand held transducer is also available for the system facilitating even greater system flexibility. A range of advanced applications are available for the ACUSON S2000 ABVS, including eSieTouch, a qualitative imaging technique that provides pathology insights and reveals the relative stiffness of breast tissue.
The system offers an adaptive ergonomic user-experience for radiographers. This includes easy manoeuvrability of the adjustable scanning arm and a one-button locking mechanism to help alleviate the problem of repetitive strain injury. Patients are benefitting from minimal compression during examinations and can breathe comfortably, helping to create a less stressful experience.
"The ACUSON S2000 ABVS provides us with 3D detail of the whole breast relatively swiftly which was not possible before," states Dr. Adrian Lim, Consultant Radiologist at Charing Cross Hospital. "We can now assess data from three planes which allows a broader clinical overview during breast imaging and the results obtained so far are better than expected."
"We have an excellent existing relationship with Siemens Healthcare and chose the ACUSON S2000 ABVS because of the potential of ground breaking research using this new technology," adds Francine Mulenga, Deputy Superintendent Radiographer, Breast Services Department at Charing Cross Hospital. "We are familiar with Siemens systems and find the Application Specialists helpful and knowledgeable - both are important considerations for us in the purchase decision."
