New Imaging Technology Puts Lee Health at the Forefront of Patient Care

The ARTIS Icono CT angiography system, which mounts to a hospital ceiling, provides greater patient coverage, plus faster and more precise 3D imaging from all sides.

It’s fast, precise, convenient—and for patients who need immediate intervention when minutes count, it may save their lives. 

It’s the ARTIS Icono ceiling angio system (ARTIS Icono ceiling system), the latest advancement in imaging technology for image-guided procedures. The technology is so new that Lee Health became only the second health system in the nation to feature the technology when Lee Health Cape Coral Hospital acquired it last month. 

Lee Health Cape Coral Hospital can now perform additional interventional and vascular procedures, such as interventional oncology procedures, liver-targeted therapies, embolization procedures, and aortic endo leak procedures, according to Eric Vazquez, director of radiology for Cape Coral Hospital.

He says the ARTIS Icono ceiling system demonstrates how innovation in healthcare improves patient outcomes while providing convenience.

“Patients with complex medical conditions require specialized treatment and expertise, and having this technology available locally allows Cape Coral Hospital to continue delivering world-class care without the need for patients to travel long distances or cross the bridges into Fort Myers,” Eric says. 

READ: ARTIS Icono ceiling system in action. An expert explains its use in aneurysm and cancer interventional treatment cases.

In 2022, the system received FDA clearance for use in a wide range of routine and advanced procedures in interventional radiology and cardiology.

More speed. More precision. More flexibility.

Eric notes the ARTIS Icono ceiling system not only produces 3D images faster than any other system in today’s current market but also performs a range of more complex procedures. It also helps operators navigate complex anatomies more consistently and predictably, which ensures accuracy in device positioning and reduces exposure to less harmful radiation.

“The system's ability to rapidly provide 3-dimensional images is invaluable for planning and performing complex procedures when time matters,” Eric explains. “Faster access to these images can lead to more efficient decision-making, improved patient outcomes, and reduced wait times for patients who need critical interventional radiology procedures.” 

The system comprises a patient table and a motorized C-arm suspended from the ceiling that can be maneuvered through multiple planes, revealing the X-ray images. The 3D images can be acquired in less than three seconds, which helps in reducing motion artifacts. Physicians operate the system by the tableside control module, enabling them to move the table and C-arm accordingly for reliable imaging. 

“It’s a significant investment that allows Lee Health to continue delivering exceptional care to the Southwest Florida community,” Eric says. “With this advanced technology, Cape Coral Hospital can now perform more advanced procedures with improved accuracy, more diverse applications, and less radiation exposure, ensuring better outcomes for patients in Cape Coral and Lee County.”

Lee Health's Diagnostic Imaging Services

Lee Health imaging radiologist experts provide comprehensive diagnostics, treatments, and radiology services for a variety of conditions. Our experienced imaging team provides convenient procedures at outpatient locations across Lee County so your physician can put an effective treatment plan into action. 

To find a list of services and locations in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Estero, and Bonita Springs, go here.

New Location - We’re in Your Neighborhood!

Lee Health University Highlands is a two-story primary care office and outpatient center providing care to the community of Estero. 

Our new state-of-the-art facility offers a variety of outpatient services. Learn more here about the Outpatient Center at University Highlands and how to make an appointment.