Our Technology
Saint Alphonsus
brings Neuro Bi-plane Angiography to
Idaho
In December of 2005, Saint Alphonsus will open the
first neurointerventional bi-plane angiography suite in the state of Idaho.
Bi-plane angiography is an advanced x-ray system taking exceptional anatomical
images used to diagnose and treat arteriovenous malformation (AVM) and aneurysms,
as well as other vascular abnormalities. It is differentiated from traditional
angiography by providing images from two different angles at the same time,
significantly reducing procedure time, as well as risk to the patient.
"This technology reduces the length of a procedure by at least 50 percent," said Scott E. Christensen, manager, Radiology and Medical Imaging at Saint Alphonsus. "And, reduces risk of the procedure because the number of times radiographic dye is injected into the artery is reduced by half."
In addition, the system offers three-dimensional rotational angiography allowing
the neuroradiologist to view the brain, arteries and spine with one single
injection of radiographic dye. After dye is injected into a blood vessel, the
machine spins on a 180-degree axis, providing the three-dimensional information. "This
new system allows us to determine the makeup and pinpoint the location of an
AVM or aneurysm in an exacting manner that was not available to us before," said
Christensen.
While viewing very detailed and clear X-ray pictures, physicians perform an endovascular coiling procedure navigating a microcatheter from the femoral artery in the groin through blood vessels that lead directly to problem areas in the brain. Under X-ray guidance, detachable platinum coils are packed into the aneurysm, filling up its volume, preventing blood from entering, and protect against subarachnoid hemorrhage.
“Bi-plane angiography is the new gold standard,” said Christensen. “It enhances our status as a state-of-the-art neuro facility by making us quicker, more efficient, and providing a greater degree of safety for the patient without their having to leave the state for treatment.”
Neuro bi-plane angiography is the latest in minimally invasive technologies available at Saint Alphonsus. Other minimally invasive technologies include Novalis® Shaped Beam Surgery, deep brain stimulation, DaVinci® Robotic Surgical system, and the LAP-BAND® System for severe obesity.