In this publication, the authors from the Keck School of Medicine of USC report the process and outcome of a clinical study comparing the use of an in-plane fixed-angle needle guide, Ultra-Pro II™ (CIVCO, Kalona, IA), electromagnetic needle tracking, eTRAX™ (CIVCO, Kalona, IA) and freehand technique to preform simulated liver lesion punctures on a humanoid phantom. “Traditionally, radiology residents gain this experience by performing supervised freehand ultrasound-guided procedures on patients who are subjected to potentially longer procedural times and higher complication rates. Emerging guidance technologies, which include in-plane, fixed-angle guidance (IPFA) and electromagnetic needle tracking (ENT), offer the potential to reduce procedure times and complications and therefore improve patient comfort and safety.” The purpose of this study was to quantitatively measure the time from puncture of the skin to successful placement in the lesion and the number of needle passes required to reach the four lesions using each technique.
The authors describe an outbreak of Burkholderia cepacian complex (BCC) in Neonatal Unit and Intensive Care Unit patients in Argentina, between April and July 2013. Charts were reviewed, and microbiological testing of potential sources were performed.
A 49 year old male presented to the ultrasound department with a small, difficult-to-access psoas muscle abscess adjacent to the right common iliac artery and vein. Dr. Brabrand uses US/CT Fusion and Verza needle guidance to target, pre-plan and ensure real-time needle visualization.
Clinical Evidence and Education Using Ultra-Pro II in Liver Biopsy Procedures Dr. Corinne Deurdulian, Department of Radiology, Keck Medical Center of USC Case Studies Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy of Deep Liver Lesion… read more →
“In radiofrequency ablation, monitoring the electrode tip during ablation of a thyroid nodule with the VirtuTRAX™ technique is feasible and helpful to increase safety of the procedure.”
David Adams, ACS, RCS, RDCS, FASE, is a highly recognized leader in the field of Cardiac Ultrasound. In addition to his numerous responsibilities at Duke University Medical Center, he has spent a great deal of time working on global initiatives to support on-going education and training via mHealth.
