Can Robots Cure Cancer

New research released at the Society of Interventional Radiology's (SIR) Annual Scientific Meeting in Washington, D.C. holds promise of a new interventional imaging capability using advanced robotics provided by Siemens Healthcare, to improve the value of chemoembolization in treating cancer.

The research, presented by Dr. John Angle, Associate Professor of Radiology, Chief, Division of Angiography, University of Virginia Health System in Charlottesville, at the "Advanced Imaging Symposium," reveals clinical results from his case study using the Siemens Artis zeego, a multi-axis C-arm that employs robotic technology to enable large-volume syngo DynaCT acquisition for liver chemoembolization.

The Artis zeego is part of the new Artis zee family of interventional imaging systems introduced by Siemens. According to Angle, the combination of the Artis zeego and large-volume syngo(R) DynaCT enables the physician to see the whole abdomen or the entire liver for chemoembolization and biopsies, and provides reliable post-TACE assessment of lipidol uptake.

"The Artis zeego's support for expanded syngo DynaCT anatomical coverage enables the entire liver to be imaged without moving the patient," said Angle. "We have found the system to be reliable, stable and very easy to use. We plan on expanding the scope of cases for which we use the Artis zeego."

The Artis zeego, which recently received FDA 510(k) clearance, offers breakthrough versatility, enhanced image quality and streamlined workflow across an array of clinical environments, from body and neurointerventional radiology suites to operating rooms and hybrid rooms. Additionally, Frost & Sullivan recently selected the Artis zeego as winner of the 2008 Frost & Sullivan Technology Innovation Award at their Excellence in Medical Technologies Awards banquet.

The versatility of the Artis zee family is exemplified by the revolutionary new Artis zeego to extend imaging capabilities through virtually unrestricted C-arm positioning. The ability to support two non-concentric rotations supports advanced cross-sectional imaging, which is not achievable with traditional C-arm systems. The Artis zeego makes it possible for the position of the isocenter to be adjusted according to the procedural needs or the height of the physician, which is particularly beneficial to a physician during lengthy procedures while wearing a heavy lead-shielded apron. The adjustable isocenter also enables off-center rotational angiography for all areas of the body and supports advanced 3D imaging techniques, including cross-sectional imaging through Siemens' first-to-market syngo DynaCT.