The Netherlands Cancer Institute opens doors of new unique hybrid OR in the Netherlands

Minimally invasive procedure with mobile CT scanner increases precision in cancer treatment  

Last week, a new hybrid operating room (CT Angio Combination) opened its doors at the Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI). This operating room comes equipped with a mobile CT scanner in addition to an x-ray machine, allowing for simultaneous diagnostics and minimally invasive treatment (without incision) of (complex) tumors. Combining both machines allows interventional radiologists to see the tumor even better during treatment. This allows radiologists to work with increased precision and treat more complex tumors. The Netherlands Cancer Institute is the first hospital in the Netherlands that will be using this Siemens Healthineers solution.

Patient won’t need to be transported
Previously, patients had to be moved to the CT scan during interventional radiology treatment, but with this new technique, the patient can remain in one spot. Transporting a patient takes time and can change the imaging as a result of, for example, changes in positioning. In this new OR, the CT scan and interventional x-ray machine are fully integrated. The CT scanner is placed on rails so it can move over the operating table during treatment. Imaging from a CT scanner and X-ray machine can be combined during the treatment. Tarik Baetens, interventional radiologist at the NKI: “This combination allows us to perform more complex treatments with increased precision.”

Possibilities for several interventional treatments
The following interventional treatments can be performed in this new operating room: freezing or burning tumors by inserting a needle into the tumor (cryoablation, microwave ablation, radiofrequency ablation) for tumors of the lung, liver, kidneys, adrenal glands, lymph nodes, skeleton, and more; Treating tumors and surgical complications through the arteries and lymphatic pathways (embolization); Stabilizing bones affected by the tumor (cementoplasty, vertebroplasty) and liquid and tissue biopsies for analysis in the case of tumors that are difficult to reach.