Published on: 26 July 2024
A £1 million revamp of a hospital theatre has been unveiled, giving surgeons access to the latest technology to carry out life-saving operations and patients quicker recovery times.
The new vascular theatre at Sunderland Royal Hospital has been officially opened, replacing an older version which had reached the end of its lifespan.
It carries out operations to treat blocked or narrowed arteries and is also used to deal with excessively large vessels, known as aneurysms.
Imaging helps guide the team as they work, with the new set up bringing together several tools under one system.
This includes real-time video of movements using X-rays passing through the body, which is called fluoroscopy. It also uses angioplasty, which is where a dye is used to show up blood vessels and also uses X-ray. Alongside CT scans, this helps build a picture of the patient’s system, so those working know exactly what is going on during the procedure.
To officially launch the new space, a ceremony brought together leaders from South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, which has invested in the upgrade, and a team of managers from GE Heathcare, which has sourced the equipment.
Claus Overbeck the Trust’s vascular surgeon who helped lead the project, cut the ribbon at a ceremony attended by theatre staff, Trust leaders and GE Healthcare representatives.
Vascular surgeon Claus Overbeck led the ribbon cutting ceremony to launch the new theatre with colleagues and leaders of GE Healthcare.
GE worked alongside CHoICE, which provides the Trust’s facilities services as its wholly owned subsidiary, to install the new technology.
Its completion makes it the first in the country to use the Allia IGS 740 Hybrid Operating Room (OR) system. The Trust is now being used as a showcase for the equipment. Visitors from other Trusts in the
NHS have already been to view it in use and see what it is capable of.
The perks of the new version of the theatre space are access to the latest software, a larger detector, which means patients are exposed to a reduced level of X-ray, and two large screens so the team can view information and images vital to their work.
Each surgeon can set up a profile, so it is tailored to their own settings.
The procedures it offers can be carried out entirely using X-ray, open surgery or a combination of both.
This means its work is minimally invasive, which means there is a lesser risk to the patient, reduces their hospital stay and they can return to normal activity more quickly.
Philip Davey is Clinical Director Vascular Surgery and a Consultant Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon.
He said:
"The feedback we have had from the team so far is that this new theatre is an excellent space to work in. It’s easier to use and supports our seamless endovascular work.
"That’s not just from my fellow surgeons who have used it so far, but from our wider team of staff, which includes radiographers and Operating Department Practitioners.
"It helps us deliver the highest standard of care to our patients, ensuring precise diagnosis, planning, and execution of vascular procedures.
"Sunderland Royal Hospital is recognised regionally and nationally for our surgeon-led endovascular expertise and this complements and reflects that. It also shows the importance this Trust puts on the care and experience our patients have when they come to us for treatment."
Philippe De Larambergue is European Manager IGT-Image Guided Solutions Interventional for GE Healthcare.
He attended alongside the manager of the company for UK and Ireland Peter Berry, account manager Sean Aspin, North of England manager, Khalid Oozeer and Vasc US lead Rachel Armstrong.
He said:
"At GE Healthcare, we are dedicated to advancing healthcare through innovation and collaboration.
"We are proud to partner with Sunderland Royal Hospital in their mission to provide exceptional patient care.
"The Allia IGS 740 Hybrid OR represents the pinnacle of surgical technology, and we are confident that it will empower the medical team at Sunderland Royal Hospital to achieve remarkable clinical outcomes."
For more information about Sunderland Royal Hospital and its Vascular Theatres, please visit the Trust's Vascular page.
