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3D imaging first.

New 3D imaging technology, which makes lung operations quicker, safer and more effective is being trialled for the first time in Scotland at the Golden Jubilee National Hospital.

Health Secretary Shona Robison visited the hospital yesterday (13 August) to see a demonstration of the innovative technology.

The Golden Jubilee’s thoracic (lung) team are the first in Scotland to use 3D imaging during keyhole surgery on patients needing treatment for lung cancer.

Previously only used in gynaecology and colorectal surgery, the 3D imaging system provides improved depth perception on patient images, giving surgeons a more accurate picture of the patient’s condition and making operations quicker, safer and more effective.

The Golden Jubilee has been using pioneering technology in keyhole surgery for the past three years. The Video Assisted Thoracotomy Service (VATS) is already reducing the length of stay, improving patient satisfaction and allowing individuals to return to regular activity earlier than those undergoing open thoracotomy – the traditional treatment for lung cancer.

Trials of the technology have been running since June. With reduced surgery time using 3D imaging, it is hoped that even more patients will be able to undergo the keyhole surgery than ever before.

Ms Robison said:

“I’m fascinated to see a demonstration of this pioneering treatment.

“Scotland is already a world leader in developing new treatments within a variety of different specialisms. The Golden Jubilee continues to be at the centre of this innovation and has been pivotal in leading ground-breaking surgery for heart disease, complex orthopaedic hip and knee replacements and now lung cancer – as well as introducing different ways of delivering key services.

"The testing and early implementation of new technology is crucial in changing the way healthcare operates – and more importantly, improving the experiences of our patients. This 3D trial, as well as other medical devices tested at the Golden Jubilee, could see earlier roll-outs of new high tech and potentially life-saving medical technology across Scotland's NHS.”

Jill Young, Chief Executive of the Golden Jubilee National Hospital, said:

“The Golden Jubilee has a track record for getting things done. We have been using 3D for training in orthopaedics; we have been looking for ways to spread 3D across other specialties so we’re delighted to be testing it in both lung and cardiac surgery – this is just one way to make sure that patients are benefitting from advances in technology.

“Since beginning the trial in June, our lung surgery patients have already benefitted from shorter surgery times, which means quicker recovery times and getting active earlier than if they were having traditional surgery.

“We are using technology more and more to help patients deal with life changing illnesses every day; investment in innovation is essential to ensure that the needs and expectations of every patient are met, providing the highest possible standard of care to the patients of NHSScotland.”

Notes To Editors

Independently run by its own NHS Board, the Golden Jubilee Foundation is helping to redefine the concept of the public hospital, with a vision of ‘Leading quality, research and innovation’ for NHSScotland.

The Golden Jubilee Foundation family includes:

• Golden Jubilee National Hospital (charity number SCO15156);
• Golden Jubilee Research Institute (currently the Beardmore Centre for Health Science);
• Golden Jubilee Innovation Centre; and
• Golden Jubilee Conference Hotel (currently the Beardmore Hotel and Conference Centre).

The NHS National Waiting Times Centre continues to be the legal name for the Board.