Pushing the Boundaries of Interventional Cardiology with Alphenix
Dr. Sanjeevan Pasupati, Director of Structural Heart Disease & Cardiovascular Research at Waikato Hospital in Hamilton, New Zealand, is an interventional cardiologist specialised in angioplasty and percutaneous interventions for valvular and structural heart disease. As one of New Zealand's leading cardiologists in structural heart disease, he has mentored many international and local sites in the development of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI). Dr. Pasupati is internationally renowned for testing and developing new devices for structural and coronary disease and is widely published in this area. He is also a speaker at interventional meetings around the world and sits on the scientific advisory boards of various cardiac device companies.
Waikato Hospital was the first comprehensive structural heart centre in New Zealand. It performs over one thousand PCIs a year and the number of complex PCIs and high-risk cardiac interventions is continually increasing. Dr. Pasupati attributes this increase to improvements in devices and pharmaceuticals, an increased understanding of equipment, and innovations in imaging technology.
“All of these advancements have an impact on the outcomes of angioplasty and have brought angioplasty indications more and more on par with bypass surgery for a lot of the cases we perform,” he says. “Now very seldom does a patient who comes with an acute cardiac coronary event go to a cardiac theatre. And if you want to push the boundaries, you need the right Cath Lab and ultrasound imaging.”
The hospital’s Alphenix system features a range of advanced technologies that help operators deliver the best possible outcomes to patients. “I would confidently recommend Canon interventional systems to any site looking to grow their interventional cardiology service, most importantly because they are the most reliable systems I have used."
“All of these advancements have an impact on the outcomes of angioplasty and have brought angioplasty indications more and more on par with bypass surgery for a lot of the cases we perform,” he says. “Now very seldom does a patient who comes with an acute cardiac coronary event go to a cardiac theatre. And if you want to push the boundaries, you need the right Cath Lab and ultrasound imaging.”
The hospital’s Alphenix system features a range of advanced technologies that help operators deliver the best possible outcomes to patients. “I would confidently recommend Canon interventional systems to any site looking to grow their interventional cardiology service, most importantly because they are the most reliable systems I have used."
Dr. Sanjeevan Pasupati, Waikato Hospital in Hamilton, New Zealand
You really can push the boundaries with the right Cath Lab and echo imaging.
Dynamic Device Stabiliser (DDS) for real-time AI-assisted stent imaging
“Dynamic Device Stabiliser technology has been a great addition to our department. Using deep learning it automatically detects balloon markers in real time, without any manual input,” claims Dr. Pasupati. “Once detected the markers are held stable and surrounding structures such as stents are magnified and enhanced to allow easier assessment of device placement and deployment.”
“Dynamic Device Stabiliser technology has been a great addition to our department. Using deep learning it automatically detects balloon markers in real time, without any manual input,” claims Dr. Pasupati. “Once detected the markers are held stable and surrounding structures such as stents are magnified and enhanced to allow easier assessment of device placement and deployment.”
DDS, powered by Altivity, utilises deep learning to automatically detect balloon markers within an image. Once activated, DDS functions in an “always on” capacity and will detect and enhance any fluoroscopy or acquisition images when balloon markers are detected.
“DDS is a great compliment to my live fluoroscopy and digital acquisition, ”Dr. Pasupati adds. DDS uses AI intelligence to give live stent enhanced images. Image quality lies between digital acquisition and stent enhanced (boost). This is obtained with radiation similar to live fluoroscopy with no processing delay which significantly improves workflow, accuracy and radiation.”
“DDS is a great compliment to my live fluoroscopy and digital acquisition, ”Dr. Pasupati adds. DDS uses AI intelligence to give live stent enhanced images. Image quality lies between digital acquisition and stent enhanced (boost). This is obtained with radiation similar to live fluoroscopy with no processing delay which significantly improves workflow, accuracy and radiation.”
- DDS uses deep learning to display stable stent-enhanced images that support decision-making in treatment.
- DDS provides live enhanced images not only in DA, but also in fluoroscopy to support treatment while reducing radiation exposure.
- An automatic display function offers seamlessly enhanced images for smoother procedures.
Echo fusion technology
“The latest addition in advanced technology is to bring live echo fusion to the Cath Lab. Canon uses AI technology to automatically track the echo probe to maintain the accuracy of the fused images on the screen.
This means we can better concentrate on the case without spending time to highlight the probe position with the orthogonal fluoro imaging. It also gives us more confidence knowing there is a higher degree of accuracy of the fused images because of the continuous re-registration when the c-arm is moved. This is a unique feature for Canon advancing in this space.”
Canon’s Echo Fusion, powered by Altivity, uses deep learning for automatic probe detection within 5 seconds of pressing the fluoro pedal.
The system operates as a function within the AlphaWorkstation and provides a 3D roadmap of the TEE overlaying live fluoroscopy. The marker and colour Doppler are also displayed in parallel to the main image display.
AI is used for automatic detection of the probe position, reducing the number of workflow steps and increasing examination speed.
“The latest addition in advanced technology is to bring live echo fusion to the Cath Lab. Canon uses AI technology to automatically track the echo probe to maintain the accuracy of the fused images on the screen.
This means we can better concentrate on the case without spending time to highlight the probe position with the orthogonal fluoro imaging. It also gives us more confidence knowing there is a higher degree of accuracy of the fused images because of the continuous re-registration when the c-arm is moved. This is a unique feature for Canon advancing in this space.”
Canon’s Echo Fusion, powered by Altivity, uses deep learning for automatic probe detection within 5 seconds of pressing the fluoro pedal.
The system operates as a function within the AlphaWorkstation and provides a 3D roadmap of the TEE overlaying live fluoroscopy. The marker and colour Doppler are also displayed in parallel to the main image display.
AI is used for automatic detection of the probe position, reducing the number of workflow steps and increasing examination speed.
Zero click probe detection or Automatic probe detection
Marker display
High quality 2D and color display
High-Definition (Hi-Def) imaging – successful magnification for bypass patients
Canon’s High-Definition imaging is a valuable tool when performing interventions on patients who have previously had bypass surgery. With additional metal on the chest wall, stent enhancing technologies are unable to segment the stent. Most detectors work on 150-200 micron pixels but the High-Def panel reduces the pixel size to 76 microns to minimise distortion when images are optically magnified. This allows stents to be better visualised when traditional enhancers or boosts fail. “This is great when I need to check if a stent is adequately expanded or when I am trying to cross through a side hole when intravascular imaging can’t be used or not available.”
Canon’s High-Definition imaging is a valuable tool when performing interventions on patients who have previously had bypass surgery. With additional metal on the chest wall, stent enhancing technologies are unable to segment the stent. Most detectors work on 150-200 micron pixels but the High-Def panel reduces the pixel size to 76 microns to minimise distortion when images are optically magnified. This allows stents to be better visualised when traditional enhancers or boosts fail. “This is great when I need to check if a stent is adequately expanded or when I am trying to cross through a side hole when intravascular imaging can’t be used or not available.”
Alphenix interventional systems feature the world’s first high-definition detector within the 30 × 40 cm detector panel. The high-definition part displays at 76-micron pixel imaging modes. At more than twice the spatial resolution of conventional flat panel detectors (FPD), the unique Hi-Def imaging mode allows you to effortlessly zoom up to 4 cm (1.5”) without losing image quality. This helps clinicians visualise fine details and anatomical structures and deploy devices with accuracy and confidence. While Waikato Hospital doesn’t perform paediatric structural heart procedures, Dr. Pasupati comments that Hi-Def imaging would be an asset to sites with paediatric service, as it would help visualise and position the smaller paediatric devices without increasing total procedural dose.
I’m a control freak and Alphenix gives me greater control and flexibility.
“The tableside tablet is a game changer in the Canon lab that significantly improves workflow,” Dr. Pasupati assures us. “I’ve configured it to what I like for diagnostic, interventional and structural procedures everything I need is in front of me with a click of a button.” Cardiac Cath Labs often operate with skeleton staff and the radiographers are often busy. So having easy access to all necessary functionality I need improves the workflow and helps complete cases faster.
“The Alphenix systems have great flexibility to support me in complex cardiology procedures. With resource restriction it’s becoming imperative to be autonomous to manage the Cath Lab functions by the operator.” he continues.
“The Alphenix systems have great flexibility to support me in complex cardiology procedures. With resource restriction it’s becoming imperative to be autonomous to manage the Cath Lab functions by the operator.” he continues.
“Canon have been the pioneers with detectors moving fingertip to fingertip and head to toe without any table movement. The detectors remain self-aligned to the patient independent of C-arm movement. This improves the work flow with safe radial and other peripheral access. This is extremely valuable for supporting safe radial access. I’m a control freak and I like to control things myself. The Alphenix’s flexibility and range of patient access allows me to stay focused on the patient.”
There is an increasing need for structural procedures to be performed under anaesthesia with or without TOE guidance. The Alphenix allows us to position the C-arm offset at 45 degrees to the table, providing enough space for the echo system and giving the ICU and anaesthetic teams with keeping better visibility and communication between the teams.
“Most Cath Labs use the 20 cm × 20 cm panels for coronary interventions. With the growth of the structural interventions performed in the same lab, the detectors have increased to 30 cm × 40 cm which can be bulky for day-to-day coronary use. Canon has a 30 cm × 30 cm detector which is a great compromise for both coronary and structural procedures. Canon also has one of the slimmest detector housing which eliminates the bulkiness and provides a greater field of view when needed.
The 30 × 30 cm configuration is a perfect balance and means that our lab is truly multi-purpose; well suited for structural and interventional procedures.”
The automatic cine replay function and additional reference monitor are extremely useful, particularly for structural work. “We utilise it almost daily for TAVI procedures,” he says. “When we are deploying a valve, I have one hand holding the valve and if you need to let go to access your previous run, the valve may move. On the Alphenix I don’t need to do anything; I can always visualise the last view on my second screen. This is a superior feature of the Alphenix, one that helps with clinical confidence and workflow in complex cases.”
During deployment of Evolut core valves, Dr. Pasupati now does what is called a cusp overlap technique, which involves a deep RAO caudal view. His team then rechecks the valve at the other end with an LAO projection.
Having an additional reference monitor allows them to store and access both images, which makes life much easier.
There is an increasing need for structural procedures to be performed under anaesthesia with or without TOE guidance. The Alphenix allows us to position the C-arm offset at 45 degrees to the table, providing enough space for the echo system and giving the ICU and anaesthetic teams with keeping better visibility and communication between the teams.
“Most Cath Labs use the 20 cm × 20 cm panels for coronary interventions. With the growth of the structural interventions performed in the same lab, the detectors have increased to 30 cm × 40 cm which can be bulky for day-to-day coronary use. Canon has a 30 cm × 30 cm detector which is a great compromise for both coronary and structural procedures. Canon also has one of the slimmest detector housing which eliminates the bulkiness and provides a greater field of view when needed.
The 30 × 30 cm configuration is a perfect balance and means that our lab is truly multi-purpose; well suited for structural and interventional procedures.”
The automatic cine replay function and additional reference monitor are extremely useful, particularly for structural work. “We utilise it almost daily for TAVI procedures,” he says. “When we are deploying a valve, I have one hand holding the valve and if you need to let go to access your previous run, the valve may move. On the Alphenix I don’t need to do anything; I can always visualise the last view on my second screen. This is a superior feature of the Alphenix, one that helps with clinical confidence and workflow in complex cases.”
During deployment of Evolut core valves, Dr. Pasupati now does what is called a cusp overlap technique, which involves a deep RAO caudal view. His team then rechecks the valve at the other end with an LAO projection.
Having an additional reference monitor allows them to store and access both images, which makes life much easier.
The 30 × 30 cm detector configuration means our lab is truly multi-purpose; well suited for structural and interventional procedures.
Dr. Sanjeevan Pasupati,
Director of Structural Heart Disease & Cardiovascular Research, Waikato Hospital, Hamilton, New Zealand
With more complex cases being treated in the cathlab, DTS is a critical tool for operators to ensure that long cases are safe for patients.
“With more complex cases being treated in the Cath Lab, Canon’s Dose Tracking System is a critical tool to help ensure that long cases are safe for the patient. It is extremely valuable in long procedures like mitral clip implantation, CTO procedures and complex multivessel PCI. These procedures require a lot of fluoroscopy, it is common to remain in the same view for an extended period of time and they can involve high radiation doses. As an operator you are very focused on the patient and the case and the real time patient dose feedback that DTS provides becomes critical. It provides alerts and allows me to modify my approach to ensure that dose thresholds are not exceeded and helps minimise the patient’s risk of radiation injuries.”
“Cardiac catheterisation labs need to be reliable and the Alphenix is the most reliable interventional cardiology system I have worked with,” claims Dr. Pasupati. “Canon provide the best service and support in New Zealand. Downtime on our Alphenix interventional systems is minimal and Canon take a pro-active approach to ensuring that we are well supported.”
“We are now on the 3rd generation of Canon Cath Labs at Waikato Hospital, and the latest image quality, workflow and range of advanced technology along with their impressive service made it an easy choice for us.” //
“Cardiac catheterisation labs need to be reliable and the Alphenix is the most reliable interventional cardiology system I have worked with,” claims Dr. Pasupati. “Canon provide the best service and support in New Zealand. Downtime on our Alphenix interventional systems is minimal and Canon take a pro-active approach to ensuring that we are well supported.”
“We are now on the 3rd generation of Canon Cath Labs at Waikato Hospital, and the latest image quality, workflow and range of advanced technology along with their impressive service made it an easy choice for us.” //
“The Alphenix is the most reliable interventional cardiology system I have worked with.”
Dr. Sanjeevan Pasupati,
Director of Structural Heart Disease & Cardiovascular Research, Waikato Hospital, Hamilton, New Zealand
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