New state-of-the-art mammography technology with sensory suite at Princess Alexandra Hospital promises to transform mammograms for patients, as well as the radiography staff who perform over 2000 mammograms every year.
The resulting technology package now in operation means that PA Hospital is the first facility in Australia to have the full combination of sensory suite, Senographe Pristina™ 3D mammography, and Dueta remote controlled device that allows patients to take control of their own compression.
The welcoming sensory suite is all about improving the patient experience and providing trauma-informed care. Boasting remote controlled mood lighting, lavender field printed walls, and sky window ceiling tiles, the suite provides sensory relief and a welcome distraction, especially during invasive procedures.
Assistant Director of Medical Imaging and Head Mammographer at PAH Sally Ball is also a breast cancer survivor and says the new suite offers more than leading diagnostic technology, it offers dignity and respect during a confronting experience for patients.
“A mammogram places you in a vulnerable position: standing half-naked in front of a stranger who has you stand in weird, awkward positions before compressing your breasts.
“Being able to offer a space that puts the patient at ease will relax the patient and result in better quality images,” she said.
The sensory suite features provide an immersive experience in the room and are a welcome distraction for more invasive procedures such as biopsies.
“I remember for one of my biopsies, I was lying down, staring at the ceiling, distracting myself from what was going on by trying to count the number of dots on the ceiling tile. It would have been much nicer to be imagining myself in the lavender fields of France.”
Sally said for the patients who attend PAH for mammograms, the majority have a history of breast cancer so it can be an emotional time. The fear of recurrence is very real and they are also dealing with the changes to their body after a lumpectomy or mastectomy.
The Dueta remote device allows patients to take control of their own compression.
“When you are diagnosed with breast cancer, you lose control of so many aspects of your life. Time that was spent doing what you enjoy is instead spent going to medical appointments or having treatment,” Sally said.
“Giving back control of even the smallest of things, like compression on a mammogram, can make a big difference to a patient.”
PAH will be one of the first sites in Australia to introduce contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) and CEM Biopsy featuring the GE Healthcare Senographe Pristina™’ integrated 3D mammography system which improves visualisation of breast lesions without increasing the radiation dose.
Chief Executive Officer GE Healthcare A&NZ, Amit Yadav said PAH will be one of the first sites in Australia to introduce contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) and CEM Biopsy featuring the GE Healthcare Senographe Pristina™ which improves the visualisation of breast lesions in 3D.
“In Australia, we know that around 20,000 patients are diagnosed with breast cancer every year and up to 75 per cent of patients report discomfort during a mammogram.
“The PA Hospital unit now has the ability for patients to do the compression themselves with the use of the Dueta to assist with comfort and anxiety. It includes contrast enhanced mammography and contrast enhanced mammography biopsy - all available from the one system.
“PA Hospital is the third of its-kind in Australia providing contrast-enhanced mammography biopsy but the full set-up at PAH is unique in Australia,” Mr Yadav said.
Now armed with the technology and the promise of reducing follow-up surgeries for invasive tumours and better detection in dense breast tissue, Sally and her team are hopeful for the future of Breast Cancer treatment.
“The new equipment is very easy to use, and the patients are finding it a lot more comfortable which results in better quality images and improved treatment outcomes,” she said.
“Our breast radiologists Dr Thomas Lloyd, Dr Gorane Santamaria & Dr Sonja Gustafson, as well as all the mammography staff, are embracing the new technology, including the time for radiographers to learn.
“For me personally, I am thankful to the staff who treated me, who worked with and supported me for many years and who gave me perspective and ultimately allowed me to say that I am now a breast cancer survivor.”
About the technology
Senographe Pristina™'s integrated 3D mammography, in collaboration with radiologists and technologists offers a platform tailored to individual patient needs. It alleviates patient anxieties, simplifies technologists' tasks, and enhances radiologists' diagnostic confidence.
This groundbreaking mammography system prioritises everyone's comfort, streamlining the experience, workflow, and care effectiveness.
- Senographe Pristina™ provides patients with a new approach to breast compression, guided by technologist supervision, allowing them to achieve the right compression for their comfort.
- Senographe Pristina™ features a spacious and ergonomic design, facilitating technologists in patient positioning.
- Senographe Pristina™ allows for excellent visualisation of breast lesions without increasing the dose compared to a 2D exam.