New “world-class” technology has been installed at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, despite challenges with covid-19 restrictions.

The IQ SPECT CT scanner can take 4D images of the heart quickly, meaning cardiac patients will have faster appointments and be exposed to less radiation. 

The new scanner allows two types of imaging to occur at the same visit and will help manage the increasing number of patients with ischaemic heart disease – a condition that requires multiple scans over time.

Head of Imaging Physics at NHS Grampian, Professor Roger Staff, is clear of the benefits this new equipment will bring to patients:

“Historically, cardiac scans, for instance, could take upwards of 15 minutes. With this new machine, they can now be complete in less than five minutes.

“The system helps improve patient comfort as people are required to stay still for less time.

“The technology can also work with lower doses of radiation, benefiting both the patient and saving resources.

“Quicker scan times also provide the potential, in future, for patient capacity to be increased – with more scans taking place in the same timeframe.”  

The new complex scanning technology required a skilled team from Germany to set up the equipment, but their arrival in Scotland has been hindered by pandemic restrictions.

Several IQ SPECT CT scanners are already in-use at sites around the UK, but this system is the first of its kind in Scotland.

According to Professor Staff, the cardiology department are delighted with the new technology and what this means for NHS Grampian:

“It represents a cutting-edge development for cardiac and cancer services in the region and keeps us at the forefront of diagnostic technology.” 

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