Volume Imaging Protocol Streamlines Workflow

A new ultrasound technology, volume imaging protocol (VIP), is improving workflow by enabling clinicians to acquire, optimize, and assess volumetric data, improve productivity, and increase diagnostic confidence.

In particular, VIP, developed by GE Healthcare (Chalfont S. Giles, UK), enables monographers, to rapidly sweep across a target area of a patient's anatomy and collect true, raw data using GE's LOGIQ 7, or LOGIQ 9 systems, then move that data to a LOGIQworks workstation for offline processing. With VIP, the radiologist is able to virtually re-scan the patient by manipulating the unprocessed data at the workstation, long after the patient has left.

"Ultrasound capabilities have historically been challenged by long acquisition times, user variability, and complex workflow as compared to other imaging technologies such as magnetic resonance and computed tomography imaging,” said Terri Bresenham, vice president and general manager, GE Healthcare's Global Diagnostic Ultrasound and Information Technology (IT) business.

According to Dr. M.J. O'Neil, from Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH; Boston, MA, USA), her facility experienced a significant productivity improvement by utilizing VIP, decreasing wait time for appointments from 21 days to two days and the need for re-scans by 50%. In addition, radiologists at MGH experienced reduction in stress levels by more than 30% and an increased confidence in scanning.

The VIP platform is enhanced on the LOGIQ 9 and LOGIQ 7 ultrasound systems in conjunction with the LOGIQWorks workstation, which creates volumetric and multi-dimensional images in real-time, allowing clinicians to more systematically visualize and assess anatomy, tumors, and lesions. With LOGIQ 9 and 7, clinicians can acquire and construct volumetric images enabling the scan of an entire organ within seconds.

According to Dr. Sally Grady, director of imaging services at Florida Hospital Celebration Health Imaging Center, volume ultrasound using VIP demonstrates significant clinical benefits and has significantly reduced the number of patient re-scans. "Volume imaging produces a dynamic, real-time look that virtually eliminates any questions of missed information,” said Dr. Grady. "With volume ultrasound, the information obtained is substantially more comprehensive and can be manipulated and analyzed in any plane after the exam.”



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