A prospective clinical evaluation at St. Elizabeth Healthcare has demonstrated that Smart Fusion ultrasound technology from Toshiba America Medical Systems provided accurate guidance for liver and kidney lesion biopsies in 34 out of 35 cases. The technology, available on Toshiba’s Aplio 500 ultrasound system, correctly sampled the lesion of interest in 97% of cases observed. A separate cost-benefit analysis determined that St. Elizabeth Healthcare saves approximately $85,000 per year by utilizing the technology.
Smart Fusion combines live ultrasound images with previously acquired CT and MR images for simultaneous display. The study evaluated 35 patients undergoing ultrasound-guided biopsies between February 2013 and May 2014, including 33 liver lesion biopsies, one renal core biopsy, and one renal lesion biopsy. The study found that along with clinical accuracy, patient satisfaction increased with use of the technology, largely due to shorter exam times, reduced radiation exposure, and the ability to forego invasive surgical biopsies.
“The ability to view previously acquired CT or MR scans with live ultrasound using Smart Fusion provides significant benefit to both clinicians and patients,” said Van Young, MD, interventional radiologist, Radiology Associates of Northern Kentucky and St. Elizabeth Healthcare. “The patient receives a less invasive, accurate biopsy, while the physician can perform confident biopsies, especially with difficult lesions. Both see a benefit in the reduced cost of the procedure.”
For more information on the study, visit Toshiba website.
