Resources

BIG DATA AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE UNIT

PHOTON COUNTING CT SUITE 

The Siemens Naeotom Alpha CT scanner is the UK's first photon counting CT scanner. The new CT scanner can
provide high resolution images at minimal radiation doses, via direct signal conversion by the photon-counting detectors of incoming X-ray energy particles into an electrical signal. The detector pixels are much smaller than in a standard CT with conventional detectors, leading to a significant increase in spatial resolution. The Siemens Naeotom Alpha provides the University of Oxford and Oxford University Hospital NHS Trust with state-of-the-art clinical and research services focused on cardiac, neuro and other applications.

In combination with our CT scan room, we have a dedicated patient preparation area and waiting room. This has  recently been refurbished and allows easy patient flow through to CT. The area has a separate room for researchers to conduct medical history taking and complete research paperwork. In the main patient area, we have all the necessary equipment for cannulation, phlebotomy and patient monitoring.

The Photon counting CT programme is led directly by Prof Charalambos Antoniades, who is also the director of the centre. 

© John Cairns

INTERVENTIONAL SUITE AND RECOVERY UNIT

The Artis Zee biplane system with mixed sized flat plate detectors allows users to utilise the smaller lateral flat detector in connection with a larger rotatable AP (anterior-posterior) detector, whilst offering excellent coverage and flexibility for a broad applications spectrum, including neuro, cardiac, spine and abdominal imaging. Like the AMIIC CT Scanner, it has been purchased with high-end software, allowing DynaCT and DynaPerfusion to be performed.

As well as the biplane system, the interventional lab is equipped with AV capabilities for live streaming of any teaching cases. We also provide ultrasound, diathermy, balloon pump as well as the necessary monitoring and recovery space for post procedure care.

The interventional programme is led by Dr Giovanni Luigi De Maria, Interventional Lead of AMIIC.

HYBRID INTERVENTIONAL AND PHOTON COUNTING CT CAPABILITIES

These two imaging modalities can be used with a specialised patient transfer system which allows patients to be transferred between the angio suite and the adjoining CT scanner quickly, smoothly, and easily.

Once the decision for CT imaging has been made, the specialised trolley table top can be moved from the angio table, with the patient secure, and transferred on to the CT scanner table. Access between the angio suite and the CT scanner is through a purpose-built connecting door. This allows easy imaging using both modalities in turn, without the need to physically manoeuvre the patient off the table top.

AMIIC CARDIAC CT TRAINING SUITE 

Using funds donated to AMIIC from Oxford Hospitals Charity, and in partnership with Dr Jim Newton, we provide a Cardiac CT training suite, to support the training of cardiology trainees and other junior members of staff/doctors and radiographers, in cardiac CT image analysis. AMIIC has training workstations embedded within an “image reading room” for 1:1 teaching sessions as well as teaching facilities in a seminar room that allows group sessions and teaching. 

SEMINAR ROOM

The seminar room is situated on level two of AMIIC and contains the following facilities:

• Smartboard and computer connected to the University of Oxford network
• Laptop connections so you can bring your own computer to link to the Smartboard
• University and NHS networks, either through network points or WiFi
• Computer with access to Medcon
• CT reporting workstations
• Video conferencing capabilities

If you wish to book the seminar room, please contact the Operations Manager.

EXAMINATION ROOM

This room is on level two of AMIIC and has all the necessary equipment for routine patient visits. There is a patient couch, desk and chairs, as well as space for taking blood samples and performing examinations. AMIIC are able to provide use of our brand-new Philips EPIQ ultrasound machine for echocardiography, or use of our ECG machine.

This is bookable through the Operations Manager or the Clinical Operations Manager (Sheena Thomas).