A state-of-the-art camera has been installed at Westmead Children’s Hospital that reduces scanning time and radiation doses for children with cancer and other medical conditions.
The CZT digital gamma camera, donated by Sargents Pies Charitable Foundation through the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation, is the latest nuclear medicine technology, offering the ability to assess, diagnose and assess the response to a series of therapies. of childhood diseases such as cancer, infections, fractures and gastrointestinal disorders.
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Westmead Children’s Hospital is the first dedicated children’s hospital in Australia to install cutting-edge digital nuclear medicine technology.
Dr Kevin London, head of Nuclear Medicine at Westmead Children’s Hospital, said the camera not only creates clearer images, but also reduces patients ’overall exploration time, making the process more efficient for to the staff and less overwhelming for the kids.
“Not only is it faster and more efficient than previous-generation gamma cameras, but the quality of the tests is consistently higher, which can help us better detect, diagnose and control the effect of treatment for our patients,” he said. said Dr. London.
For eight-year-old Lillyn Bickford, who was diagnosed with a phase neuroblastoma four days after her second birthday, the camera has made a big difference.
Neuroblastoma is a type of cancer that usually affects children under five. Cancer often begins in the tissue of the adrenal glands and spreads through the blood, growing in other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, bones, liver, and lungs.
After her diagnosis, lengthy scans quickly became routine for Lillyn to track her progress and monitor her tumor growth. Just thinking about it used to scare Lillyn away, as the actual scan required at least three people in the room to comfort her.
However, since the installation of the new CZT Gamma Camera, Lillyn is no longer afraid.
In addition to having to spend less time on the scanner, the machine is also equipped with a TV to distract children from the stress and anxiety they may feel.
Lillyn’s father, Aaron, said Lillyn first fell asleep during a scan thanks to the new gamma camera and is now much safer from her treatment.
“It’s amazing how quickly the scan was done, and Lillyn is no longer afraid to come back for another scan,” Aaron said.
“Thanks to this amazing technology, my daughter can get the care she needs, spend less time in the hospital and more time being a child.”
Lillyn is now in remission and has a life full of possibilities ahead.