14 December 2009
Trail blazing innovation at Broomfield Hospital
As a result of a clinical study, a trail blazing innovation has put Broomfield Hospital in the spotlight.
It was noticed that several patients who had been treated for their heart arteries were returning months or years later with a rupture of the aorta (largest artery in the body). The mortality rate from a rupture of the aorta is over 90% so it is better to diagnose the problem beforehand so it can be dealt with in a planned way, rather than an emergency.
Joint cooperation between clinical staff in the cardiology and vascular surgery departments at Broomfield Hospital led to a study that was recently published in the prestigious peer reviewed journal, The British Journal of Cardiology.
Mr Tom Browne, consultant vascular surgeon at Broomfield hospital, said:”We studied over 100 patients who were undergoing coronary artery angiography (angioplasty). In addition each patient received an ultrasound scan of their aorta. This is a simple non invasive abdominal scan that takes about five to seven minutes to perform, using a portable ultrasound unit. It is the ideal time to perform the scan as the patient has to lie flat for several hours after their angiography.”
The study revealed a significant association between coronary artery disease and the aorta and it resulted in several undetected abdominal aortic aneurysms being found in patients. An aortic aneurysm usually causes no symptoms unless it ruptures (bursts) which can happen if it is not detected early. If it does burst there is a 90 per cent chance that the patient will die. The new scan means that if an aneurysm is detected it is then measured, to determine the urgency of the condition, so the consultant can decide upon the treatment required.
Mr Browne adds: Some of those patients who were identified with an aneurysm have already benefited from having these dealt with immediately. Others are being monitored by our excellent vascular laboratory and vascular nurse specialists to alert us if the aneurysms are still expanding. It is worth remembering that abdominal aortic aneurysms can be mostly dealt with a stent now, a four day stay in hospital and no need for Intensive care.”
ENDS
Media contact : Jo Triggs tel: (01245) 514235 | Mobile : 0790 005 4948
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