Panasonic Brings Immersive Projection to Soothe Patients at CT Scans

Swedish Karolinska Hospital Applies Innovative Visual Solution to Calm Children Having CT Scans (TAC), based on the PT-JX200 space player from Panasonic, with laser projection and illumination functions, and in its PT-VMZ71 series.

Applying technology to make CT scans less stressful for child patients and increasing the number of CT scans performed per day has been the goal achieved by the Karolinska University Hospital Stockholm, thanks to the project carried out by the visual and sound specialist Ljudbyrån AB, with the projection technology of Panasonic as a central element.

CT scans are used to provide vital and detailed internal images of the body. Unfortunately, Children and some adults often find the process of this test very stressful and claustrophobic, to the point that sedation or anesthesia is sometimes required.

Lena Gordon Murkes, Paediatric radiologist at Swedish hospital, contacted Thomas Folland, founder of Ljudbyrån AB, after viewing one of their interactive displays in a shopping mall to learn if a similar solution could be used to calm patients and provide a more positive experience in the CT exam room.

The Ljudbyrån AB team took up the challenge and designed an interactive sound and projection solution "that has had incredible results", They point out from the hospital.

The CT room is now equipped with two Panasonic laser projectors that emit immersive images on the ceiling and on the CT scanner itself, along with four speakers for sound and a touchscreen for patients to choose from one of ten different relaxing effects.

Immersive visual experiences range from a rainforest with the sound of water and birds to amazing underwater scenes and popular cartoon characters.

"Many children and parents come to us at a very stressful time in their lives, with serious trauma or tumors," explains Lena Gordon.. In these situations, We have noticed that in the room they are calmer with light and sound; patients who were previously afraid to enter the room, now they do it without hesitation. Many quick exams can be performed without anesthesia, for patients ranging from children under the age of 1 year to adults, and in those who still need it, Images and sound are very useful as a distraction when we use needles to administer the sedative".

Specifically, The solution is based on the 1 DLP chip with Solid Shine laser technology Space Player by Panasonic, with lighting functions in a single spotlight design, that can be easily attached to standard lighting rails for easy installation.

With a brilliance of 2.000 Lumens and a laser light source of 20.000 hours for maintenance-free operation, Space Player, can project in all directions below its horizontal axis and be used with SD cards, PCs and tablets to play content (More details at Digital AV).

This immersive solution has been so successful that it has also been implemented in four additional CT scan units at Huddinge Hospital, south of the city. In addition, Doctors from other centers in Europe have visited the hospital to see the solution in action.

In other facilities, The team has chosen projectors from the series PT-VMZ71 with different brightness levels to suit every environment, since it is made up of four LCD models, with a power of 5.000 to 7.000 Lumens and resolution WUXGA.

To facilitate flexible installation, This series incorporates vertical/horizontal lens shift, as well as Keystone correction Angular and V/H, along with new six-point screen adjustment functionality, which helps to make better use of space (More information in this daily).

"We chose Panasonic because of the quality and reliability of its projectors," said Thomas Folland. In this critical medical environment, it was critical that we use laser projectors that offer 20.000 Maintenance-free operating hours, and their LCD and DLP projectors have never let us down.".

This solution has changed the way patients feel when they have to have a CT scan. "Patients and parents of children now describe it as a fun and positive experience, instead of anxiety, the fear and discomfort they experienced before," says Gordon. The new audiovisual environment contributes to making a potentially scary exploration a positive experience".

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