Silvestri Values Needle Tracking for Shortened Learning Curve
Physician: Enzo Silvestri, MD Professor of Radiology
Facility: Ospedale Evangelico Internazionale, Genova
Featured Product: eTRAX™ and VirtuTRAX™
Q. How did you become interested in the ultrasound field?
A. Since the early 1980’s, I have had the opportunity to perform ultrasound examinations at the Ospedale Evangelico Internazionale – Genoa. In that time, one of the first ultrasound systems was present in the department and I felt ultrasound could be one of the most diverse imaging methods in the world.
Q. How did you become interested in using CIVCO’s eTRAX Needle Tip Tracking and VirtuTRAX Instrument Navigator guidance systems?
A. In the last ten years, our ultrasound department has developed and performed several interventional techniques using electromagnetic needle tracking, especially in the field of musculoskeletal, spine and the head and neck. The use of virtual tracking and needle tip tracking helped us perform these procedures safely and in an accurate manner.
Q. What procedures do you most commonly perform when using needle tracking?
A. At the Ospedale Evangelico Internazionale – Genoa, we perform hip joint injections of hyaluronic acid as well as facet joint injections, radiofrequency ablation of benign thyroid nodules and soft tissue biopsy.
Q. Describe your current role at your facility and how you approach education of fellows when using ultrasound.
A. I am the Director of Diagnostic Imaging and also a professor at Genoa University. In this setting I currently use Virtual Tracking to teach a variety of interventional procedures to my fellows.
Q. Describe a time when needle tracking helped you avoid or reduce challenges or complications.
A. Performing facet joint injections can be difficult. Needle tracking is especially helpful when performing facet joint injections on an obese patient.
Q. With regards to needle tracking technology, what advice would you offer physicians entering the profession?
A. Needle tracking is a helpful tool and it allows a shortened learning curve process in ultrasound-guided interventional procedures.
Q. In your professional opinion, where do you think the future of ultrasound is headed?
A. In the future, I believe ultrasound will not only be a valuable diagnostic tool but also a guide for interventional procedures of for all types of anatomy.
