Date Posted : 15 Jun 2009
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| Asian Hospital and Medical Center is again at the forefront of delivering world-class patient care through the latest technologies as it recently unveiled its newest acquisition, the Dornier Compact Sigma Tri-Mode Modular Lithotripter, the most sophisticated equipment today for the non-invasive treatment of kidney and other urinary tract stones. |
“This machine elevates the practice of non-invasive treatment of urinary tract stones. With the Compact Sigma’s highly advanced technology, locating and targeting stones are done in an easy and precise way, and because of the machine’s powerful, accurate and efficient generation of shockwave energy, it enables the doctor to conduct the procedure in less amount of time and eliminates or significantly decreases the possibility of repeat treatment sessions,” explained Dr. JV Prodigalidad, Chief of Urology Section at Asian Hospital and Medical Center. |
The modular lithotripter, the first and only such system in the Philippines as well as in Southeast Asia, combines the proven Dornier Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) with a tri-mode stone localization and targeting system, and a multifunctional patient table that creates a complete solution for lithotripsy (the fragmentation of a stone in the urinary system through soundwaves). ESWL uses shockwaves to break urinary stones into small pieces, so that the fragments are flushed out of the body naturally. |
With proven Dornier Electromagnetic Shockwave Emitter (EMSE) technology, the Compact Sigma delivers consistent, reliable energy for the easy fragmentation of urinary stones. This also allows the patient to experience less trauma per treatment. |
The Compact Sigma also boasts an advanced tri-mode system for stone localization and targeting, offering flexible and precise imaging options. The system includes 3 modules which can be used individually or in combination: an adjustable C-arm X-ray, an isocentric (in-line) ultrasound and non-isocentric (off-line) ultrasound. |
The X-ray C-arm is secured through laser-guided alignment, which rotates to allow accurate visualization of stones from various positions. Aside from ensuring focal zone accuracy and stone localization, the Compact Sigma’s primary isocentric design allows both the shockwave and the imaging system to revolve around a single point. Scanning plane continually passes through the focal spot as imaging angles change, ensuring precise alignment of the targeting system and the shockwave focus at all times. This enables easier targeting of stones even under difficult conditions. The secondary off-line ultrasound uses a patented localization arm affording optional targeting quick and easy. |
On top of these unique capabilities, another unique feature of the Compact Sigma is its flexible therapy head, which introduces shockwaves from different orientations, allowing all treatments to be conducted with the patient positioned comfortable on their backs. This is also supported by a power-adjustable radiolucent table, which has an isocentric and non-isocentric tilt features and can hold up to 180kgs (396 lbs). |
“With the old machine design, we have to turn the patient to attain the correct treatment position. This can become an uncomfortable experience for the patient. With this new machine, the lithotripter system adjusts instead to attain the ideal treatment position and angle. This makes the procedure more comfortable for the patient,” added Dr. Demetrio Hadap, Urology Consultant at Asian Hospital and Medical Center. |
With its high penetration depth and wide dynamic range as well as its versatile, modular design, the Dornier Compact Sigma is ideal for a spectrum of applications. It also offers optional solutions in other areas of urological diagnosis and therapy, including endourology, percutaneous procedures and diagnostic imaging modalities. |
With the Dornier Compact Sigma Modular Lithotripter, Asian Hospital and Medical Center and its highly-trained urologists and staff aim to deliver only the highest-quality healthcare solutions to patients with kidney and other urinary tract problems. |
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