Stepping Hill Hospital, part of the Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, has installed two MAMMOMAT Inspiration™ full field digital mammography systems to enhance its imaging capabilities at the same time as meeting the increasing demand for its mammography service as part of its overall expansion plans. The systems include a syngo® MammoReport and a stereotactic biopsy unit, allowing the hospital to further develop its services to the local area.
Digital images are ready for viewing after just 18 seconds and with fewer repeats, the whole process is significantly quicker making the examination experience less stressful for patients. Both systems have the MoodLight feature that emits soothing colours into the room to transform the diagnostic environment and further enhance patient comfort.
The system set up features a syngo MammoReport Workstation. This brings all breast-care related applications together at one workplace – whether 2D or 3D. For classic image reporting it loads up to eight images in one second and the software is simple-to-use with an intuitive user interface. It is a tool to help detect abnormalities on mammograms, highlighting any areas considered asymmetrical or abnormal.
One of the Inspiration systems has a stereotactic biopsy module enabling the mammographer to perform screening and stereotactic biopsy on the same platform. The system's intuitive operability makes it a fast and user-friendly procedure and the improved image quality also boosts workflow efficiencies. It is enabling the hospital to undertake accurate breast biopsies of tiny calcifications, which are not palpable or visible with ultrasound.
“The move to a fully digital mammography service has allowed us to significantly reduce the amount of time patients have to wait for a mammogram,” said Gill Green, lead mammographer at Stepping Hill Hospital. “The Inspirations offer high quality images with far greater detail than the old analogue system. We have also found that the MoodLight feature has assisted in easing patient anxiety during what can be a stressful time.”
“The MAMMOMAT Inspiration is a proven choice to improve clinical workflow efficiencies, ease patient anxieties and deliver detailed images for diagnosis,” said Lynn Blackburn, product manager for mammography at Siemens Healthcare. “We look forward to continuing our support of Stepping Hill Hospital and ensuring that mammographers are comfortable with all the technical functionality.”
