The new unit is expected to help decrease the incidence of morbidity and mortality in the trauma setting. VGH's Emergency/Trauma Radiology department is the first in Canada to use this new portable device that is utilized in detecting the presence of internal bleeding in trauma patients.
"We believe the device will be an invaluable tool in helping triage patients with internal haemorrhage more rapidly than ever before and will lead to improved patient outcomes," says Dr. Savvas Nicolaou, Director of Emergency and Trauma Imaging, Vancouver General Hospital. "The device is expected to save critical time during that first 'golden hour' after the patient has arrived at the ER. It is widely understood that patients who have treatment initiated within the first critical hour have an increased chance of survival."
Weighing only 725g and measuring approximately 50x100mm (the size of a PDA), this clinical tool easily fits into a lab coat pocket and can be worn around the neck, similar to a stethoscope. This allows easy access to rapid-first-look triage of trauma patients, and, for the first time ever, makes imaging available in the ER at the same time as the initial physical examination is performed.
"The device provides faster access to critical information for physicians at the point of care, which could significantly affect patient management and improve outcomes," says Klaus Hambuchen, chief executive officer, Business Unit Ultrasound, Siemens Healthcare. "The ACUSON P10 is a complete ultrasound imaging system and can be used for trauma, cardiac, OB/GYN and general imaging applications in settings where the use of larger systems is simply not practical."
