SPI-PHY

Purchase of a SPI-PHY after a donation

Purchased in 2024

Cost: £73,000

Ward/Department: Surgical unit

Description: The device uses infrared fluorescence imaging to better see how fluid passes through tissue. It's especially helpful in breast cancer surgeries, but can be used in others, such as bowel surgery. SPY-PHI can also help show when cancer cells have moved to the lymph nodes nearby. This can help determine whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body or is localized in the breast, which can gauge the stage of the cancer and plot its treatment. In using the technology, the surgeon will inject a small amount of dye into or near the tumor and trace the path using infrared light. As the dye travels, surgeons can see “hot spots” along the way as they glow. It uses four fluorescent visualisation modes (dyes), which helps surgeons more accurately detect tissue perfusion. The cameras in the device are compatible with the dye.

Before Covid, Mrs. Jackson contacted us to state that she wanted to donate £50,000 for the purchase of Cancer equipment.  Ever since we've been trying to find the ideal piece of equipment to purchase and because of Covid and a number of other problems, we at long last purchased the SPY-PHI last year (2024).  It cost £75,000 and we provided the remaining £25,000.  Sadly, Mrs. Jackson died shortly after donating the money, but we have been able to keep her friend and carer updated and she was delighted with our choice.