[T]he University of Vermont Medical Center has received permission to buy more than $5 million in new medical equipment.
The hospital received two different state-level permits, called certificates of need, to replace a $2.7 million PET/CT imaging system and a $2.3 million robotic surgical system made by a company called da Vinci.
The Green Mountain Care Board issued the certificate of need for the imaging system on Sept. 7, and the certificate of need for the da Vinci surgical system on Sept. 29.
UVM Medical Center says the new imaging system will allow it to satisfy federal regulations that limit radiation output from imaging systems. The imaging system will also allow the hospital to do blood flow testing that may eliminate other types of testing, the hospital says.
The board wrote the following about the imaging system in its decision: “The project will not have an undue adverse impact on other services provided by the applicant because the proposed project maintains a service essential to appropriate standards of care.”
“The proposed Philips Vereos system has improved image quality, reduced radiation exposure for the patient, and improved speed and efficiency,” the board wrote, referencing the hospital’s application. “The new system will expose patients to less radiation from the imaging equipment itself and also requires lower doses of radioactive pharmaceuticals administered to patients prior to their exams.”
With regard to the new da Vinci robotic system, the board found that “compared to UVMMC’s existing equipment, the new da Vinci offers advanced features, functionality and technology,” language that the board also took from the UVM Medical Center’s application.
“The newly designed overhead instrument arms facilitate anatomical access from any position, and are smaller and thinner with joints that provide an expanded range of motion and instrument shafts that allow the surgeon greater reach,” the decision said. “A fluorescent imaging system enables real-time visualization and assessment of vessels, bile ducts and tissue perfusion.”
Both certificates of need were considered under an expedited process.
