New DSA Machine installed in Dunedin Public Hospital Radiology Department

Staff at Dunedin Hospital’s Radiology Department are thrilled to have a new Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) machine, replacing the old machine which had reached the end of its life. The new robotic machine is a welcome addition to the department to improve patient care.

Acting Charge Medical Imaging Technologist Bernie Bowen says the new machine is an upgrade on the old model, allowing the team to work at high levels of precision.

“We can programme the machine to move into exactly the right position to get the images we need rather than having to manually adjust it.”

Dr James Letts performs the first procedure using the new DSA machine.

Modern technology is safer for staff, with lower radiation exposure rates. The new machine also produces better quality images showing tiny vessel structures in more detail.

Interventional Radiologist Dr James Letts says better imaging means “improved visualisation during interventional procedures, helping us obtain the best outcomes for patients”

Radiologists use the machine to examine blood vessels throughout the body. After contrast is injected into a patient’s artery or vein the machine “subtracts” images of surrounding tissues and structures to allow clear vision of the vessels.

This enables the radiologist to undertake delicate interventions, ranging from inserting venous catheters to allow direct access to veins, to life-saving treatment of internal bleeding including rupture of an artery.

After testing and training, the radiology team treated the first patient on the machine, Peter Christie of Dunedin, who was having a portacath inserted under the skin in his chest.

“This is one of the most common procedures we do with a DSA machine here,” Dr Letts says.

“Portacaths are used for patients having treatment that requires multiple infusions, which can damage the superficial veins and require multiple punctures for venous access over a long period of time. The port can remain in place for months or even years making it much easier for patients and clinicians".

Peter is recovering well from the procedure and says he is very happy with how it went. “I’ve been told the port is looking good and it was used for an infusion the next day, which made the whole thing much more comfortable.”

Photo caption: Dr James Letts performs the first procedure using the new DSA machine.