Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is one of seven NHS Health Boards across Wales and hosts the University Hospital of Wales (UHW), the largest hospital in Wales, located in Cardiff.

As expected for such a large hospital, UHW covers a wide range of specialties, including Cardiology, Urology, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Trauma and Orthopaedics, Pain Management, and Paediatric Surgery.

Over the past few years, UHW has purchased several Ziehm C-arms from Xograph and now owns ten systems in total. These include five Vision FD C-arms, three Vision RFD 21x21cm, one Vision RFD 31x31cm, and a Vision II. The systems are used almost daily across multiple theatres due to the demands on each service within the hospital.

When speaking to the radiographers about their experience with the Ziehm C-arms, several team members commented that the interface is intuitive and easy to use. They particularly appreciate that the interface is consistent across all system specifications, allowing them to confidently operate any system in any theatre.

The Theatre Lead radiographers noted that across various disciplines, surgeons have praised the high standard of image quality, while the radiographers themselves highlighted that this quality is achieved while maintaining appropriate dose levels. They also reiterated the ease of use due to the common interface functions, which allows for more efficient training—UHW typically has an intake of 12-20 newly-qualified radiographers each summer.

The University Hospital of Llandough, also under the same Health Board as UHW, has three Ziehm systems on site, comprising a Vision II and two Ziehm Vision FD C-arms, bringing the total to thirteen Ziehm systems across Cardiff and Vale Health Board.

We hope to continue working with the teams across both sites to ensure they get the best from their Ziehm C-arms by providing an exceptional standard of support, in terms of technical service and ongoing Clinical Applications training.

The Xograph team enjoyed exceptional hospitality in Nuremberg, along with an impressive tour of Ziehm’s world-class facility and a very productive business meeting. We look forward to bringing customers to Nuremberg to showcase what sets Ziehm apart from the competition, hopefully starting with the physicists’ training course in 2025.

Not even the delayed 6:30 AM Ryanair flight could take the shine off an outstanding visit, thanks to all the team at Ziehm!

Neath Port Talbot Hospital is a 270 bed general hospital located in Port Talbot, South Wales. It is one of a number of several hospitals under the Swansea Bay University Health Board.

The Ziehm Vision RFD 3D was purchased in 2022 prior to a £21M projected expansion which included three new theatres.

Hospital expansion completion occurred in 2023 and following much deliberation by site regarding choice of navigation vendor, Medtronic was finally chosen.

Integration of the RFD 3D with Medtronic’s Stealth Station S8 occurred this year.

The first 3D navigation spinal case was performed 4th November with successful navigation of pedicle screws using (MIS ) Minimal Invasive Surgery technique ( reducing the requirement to surgically cut the patient’s tissues as much as would have been expected using non MIS surgical methods.)

Shaun Davis (Left), Alys China (Right)

Lead Radiographer, Alys China who operated the RFD 3D voiced that the use of the unit was straight forward and uncomplicated following the in depth training received once navigation integration had occurred.