Cutting-edge ‘gamma camera’ aims to improve heart and lung care

Patients at Royal Brompton Hospital, part of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, will benefit from a new diagnostic scanner, the VERITON-CT Solid State Gamma Camera, the first-of-its-kind in a London NHS Hospital.

The new state-of-the-art scanner combines SPECT (single-photon emission computed tomography) and CT imaging and will enable high quality, faster 3D diagnostic scans for children and adults, reducing the number of additional tests required for diagnostic purposes.

By combining SPECT and CT technologies, both functional and anatomical information can be provided in a single imaging session. While a CT scan shows the appearance of the organ, the SPECT scan shows how the organ is functioning. Combining the two helps to see the structure and function at the same time to get comprehensive information in a single scan.

The new scanner will also allow the clinical team to see more patients due to faster scanning times. It is projected that capacity will increase by 20% in the first year that the scanner is operational which will enable the Royal Brompton nuclear medicine department to take more referrals from other London hospitals. Overall, it will allow for a much more comfortable experience for patients.

Dr Kshama Wechalekar, Royal Brompton lead consultant for nuclear medicine, said: “I am truly excited to have this new technology in our department for our patients. Not only will patients have an improved experience during their scan, but the results delivered will be of the highest clinical standards that will enable optimisation of treatment and improve clinical outcomes.

“Crucially, the new camera will also open the door to a several new research programmes for heart, lung, or any other organ imaging.”

In addition, the hospital’s Nuclear Medicine Department has been refurbished. New artwork by the RB&HArts team has been installed along with new light panels to create a more calming and relaxing experience for patients. 

The new Gamma Camera scanner was made possible thanks to the support of the Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals’ Charity.