Diagnostic Imaging

<h2>Advanced  Diagnostic  Imaging</h2> Advanced imaging has become integral to our patient care protocol at Fitzpatrick Referrals and forms a critical part of our rapid-response regime (RRR) – a cornerstone of our desire to integrate state-of-the-art technology and compassionate immediate treatment. Our Siemens MRI and CT scanners are among the most advanced in small animal practice in the world. The 1.5T Magnetom Symphony™ MRI scanner offers images of both bone and soft tissues with superb resolution and has contributed significantly to our joint disease, cancer, brain injuries and spinal disorder treatment programs. It is a closed-field magnet, which offers significantly higher resolution in significantly shorter time than cheaper open-field magnets. For example, the standard time taken for us to triage a standard disc patient through imaging and decompressive surgery is one hour from exiting the consulting room to arriving in the recovery ward. <img src="../../pictures/0000/0439/scanner.jpg" alt="http://www.fitzpatrickreferrals.com/pictures/0000/0439/scanner.jpg" />      <img src="../../pictures/0000/0441/scanner2.jpg" alt="http://www.fitzpatrickreferrals.com/pictures/0000/0441/scanner2.jpg" /> We are proud to announce that we have recently taken delivery of a brand new Siemens Somatom Spirit™ CT scanner which provides images of superlative clarity in extremely short scan times, allowing us to simply use sedation rather than general anaesthesia, which may be very important for trauma cases. This scanner will revolutionise our ability to view fractures, complex joint disorders, limb deformities and bone-invading cancers for example, all in three dimensions. This will ensure optimal surgical intervention and may be absolutely critical for some of our more advanced techniques such as limb-salvage procedures. The human images depicted illustrate the power of this amazing imaging modality. We already have a state-of-the-art Stortz arthroscopy system that allows us to view joints with superb magnification and clarity for diagnostic and for surgical intervention. Very delicate surgical procedures can be performed “keyhole” with minimal side-effects on the patient in terms of post-operative morbidity or pain. We are about to take delivery of a second theatre-integrated arthroscopy system which is literally mounted as an integral part of the operating theatre. This is the first Sony system installed for small animal arthroscopy in the world and the clarity of image generation and capture is unparalleled. We are committed to providing our patients with the best treatment available in the world today and our investment in the best technology available underlines this commitment. We are concomitantly aware however that compassionate ethical care must take precedent over advancing technologies and we will never perform any technique that we do not feel is in our patients’ best interests. We should not perform a procedure simply because we can perform it, but rather because we should perform it. At the end of the day, we know that our clients don’t care how much we know until they know how much we care. <h2>MRI Scanner </h2> Many veterinary practices in Europe are progressing towards magnetic resonance imaging as the gold standard for diagnostic imaging in small animals. However due to cost and space factors many vets still choose to opt for small open field magnets. At Fitzpatrick Referrals we provide diagnosis, treatment and aftercare for orthopaedic and neurological conditions in dogs and cats and are now the only private veterinary surgery in Europe to have installed a state-of-the-art Siemens 1.5T MAGNETOM Symphony closed field MRI scanner. This is available 7-days a week. The new clinic provides the most advanced and innovative diagnostic and rehabilitation facilities for small animal neuro-orthopaedics in the UK. Director Noel Fitzpatrick has employed specialist veterinary MRI Radiographer Kat Evans to operate the scanner. Kat is unique in that she has worked in human MRI for several years and then as a lead veterinary MRI radiographer for InHealth Group. Kat is one of the most qualified veterinary MRI radiographers in Europe and has developed MR protocols for doctors, vets and radiologists using a variety of different scanning platforms. The Eklin reporting system allows Electronic MRI reports to be obtained within 24 hours from Dr Russ Tucker, who is director of radiology at Washington State University. Copy Images can be given to owners or vets on film or CD. <img src="../../pictures/0000/0299/scanner_long.jpg" alt="http://besupported-001.vm.brightbox.net/pictures/0000/0299/scanner_long.jpg" /> The MAGNETOM Symphony will assist the diagnostic process by providing ultra-clear high resolution images of bone, spine, brain and soft tissues. This will enable more rapid and accurate diagnosis of both routine problems such as slipped discs and potentially life-threatening conditions, including tumours. Its open design means that it will easily accommodate domestic animals of every size – from cats to large dogs. Veterinary surgeons can glean superb results for diagnosis whilst owners have the assurance that their animals will not experience difficulties of positioning or prolonged anaesthetic time. Rapid and efficient medical and surgical intervention is therefore possible. Fitzpatrick Referrals also have an emergency response team for trauma, brain and spinal cases requiring immediate attention. Coupled with round-the-clock nursing this provides a uniquely effective and responsive back-up for primary care clinicians, year-round seven days a week. Advanced features of the MAGNETOM Symphony include: <ul> <li>Reduced scan time allowing reduced anaesthesia time</li> <li>Clarity of image allowing superior diagnostics</li> <li>High Field Shim reducing artefacts from implants</li> <li>Availability to network the ultra-clear high resolution images throughout the practice, including the operating room</li> <li>Vascular Imaging – Magnetic Resonance Angiography with and without Contrast Agents, Dynamic Angiography capability</li> <li>Brain – Spectroscopy, functional MRI and Diffusion Imaging</li> </ul>   There are three routes to refer to us for MRI imaging with or without a consultation: <ol> <li>Clinical referral – We see the patient for consultation, imaging and intervention as necessary</li> <li>Primary care referral – You see the patient, we perform the imaging and report back to you such that you can perform intervention as necessary.</li> <li>Specialist referral – A referral clinician sees the patient at another centre, we perform the imaging, with or without a report as requested and return the patient for intervention.</li>   <a class="pdf" href="../../documents/0000/0015/fr_scanner.pdf">Download MRI Scanner Leaflet</a> </ol>

2008-11-12T11:57:55Z

Heartfelt thanks for all the wonderful work you do, your tireless help and support and for giving Shelley a life again - something I shall never forget...

June

Intervertebral disc pathology, spinal developmental and congenital pathology, elbow dysplasia and relative problems and brain tumours are diagnosed with our MRI scanner.

mri scanning, rehabilitation, Fitzpatrick, referrals, small animal, orthopaedic, neurology, veterinary specialist, vets, nurse, health, care, dog boarding, pet, veterinary emergency, referral service, dog veterinary, animal hospital, veterinary hospital, mri, scan, xray, ultrasonic, hydrotherapy, canine

Dog and Cat MRI | Spinal & Brain Disorders | Animal & Veterinary Hospital

24 hour availability 365 days a year Advanced Diagnostic Imaging - MRI and CT - 7 Days a Week Custom designed kennels with electronic monitoring system, audio & TV Pioneers of joint replacement and limb prostheses State-of-the-art Conference Centre with direct video link to ORs Rehabilitation Centre - Physiotherapy Arena & Hydrotherapy Pool

14,15

401

We are continually introducing new technologies to remain at the forefront of neuro-orthopaedics and to consistently improve our service to referring clinicians, clients and patients.

diagnosticimaging Diagnostic Imaging

2009-09-10T07:22:31Z