UK’s first robotic multi-axis C-arm for complex vascular surgery
26 Oct 2010
The Royal Free Hospital in North London has opened the UK’s
first advanced interventional imaging system, Artis zeego from Siemens
Healthcare.
The device, based on robotic technology, will enable the
hospital’s vascular surgeons and radiologists to perform highly
complex procedures such as vascular surgery for aortic aneurysms
without the need for open chest or abdominal surgery.
More minimally invasive procedures will lessen patient risk
during surgery, reduce after-surgery care and hospital stays, plus
extend the range of eligible patients to include older and less fit
patients.

The Siemens Artis zeego at the Royal Free
Hospital
“The Artis zeego will give us the image detail we need in one
system, without having to transfer patients from X-ray to the
interventional suite. As well as streamlining the treatment process,
we will also be able to deal with more complex cases in a less
invasive way,” said George Hamilton, Professor of Vascular Surgery
at the Royal Free Hospital. “The robotic technology is
state-of-the-art and its benefits will extend beyond the operating
theatre, enabling us to treat more patients more safely in less
time, offer quicker recovery and improved throughput.”
The Artis zeego extends surgical imaging capabilities through its
virtually unrestricted C-arm positioning. The extra flexibility
allows for advanced cross-sectional imaging not achievable with
traditional C-arm systems and enables head-to-toe coverage and
multiple work positions.
It also features a variable isocentre, which means the working
height of the system can be adjusted to reduce fatigue when
performing long surgical procedures. It will be installed in a
theatre adjoining two refurbished endo-laparoscopic theatres, also
equipped with state-of-the-art integrated equipment from Key-Med
Olympus. The Royal Free has also installed five interventional
suites all with Siemens equipment ensuring familiarity of systems
throughout the hospital.
The Royal Free Hospital will also be using Siemens’ syngo DynaCT
with the Artis zeego, an application that delivers 3D
cross-sectional, large-volume images of a specified area to the
tableside within 30 seconds. This versatile solution eliminates the
need to transfer patients for pre and post operative imaging,
keeping angio and CT suites free for diagnostic use.
This means that patients with ruptured aneurysms can be treated
in the best environment with expected better survival outcomes, more
patients can be treated in less time and throughput is kept
consistent. The system can also be parked in a variety of compact
positions to make the most efficient use of available space.
“As one of the leading centres for vascular surgery, the Royal
Free Hospital is ideally placed to install the first Artis zeego in
the UK,” said Susie Guthrie, AX Product Manager at Siemens
Healthcare. “Vascular disease is responsible for a significant
proportion of all hospital admissions, impacting millions of people.
The Artis zee is designed to streamline workflow and create
efficiencies to help keep pace with increased interventional volume.
It also offers intuitive menus and can be easily controlled with an
ergonomic tableside device to open the door to safer, more efficient
treatment.”