CIVCO’s eTRAX™ Paired with Leading Ultrasound Systems

CIVCO launched eTRAX, our breakthrough needle guidance system, at RSNA 2009. eTRAX features an electromagnetic sensor embedded into the needle tip, enabling real-time, 3D image-guided navigation in a variety of clinical settings, and is paired with a sterile sheath cover. “The eTRAX tool kit is unique in both its design and clinical versatility,” Dr. Bill Whitmore, MD, Chief Medical Officer at CIVCO, said. “The system is also designed to allow ongoing re-use of the relatively expensive active EM tracking sensors.” Since the launch, eTRAX technology has been paired with two leading ultrasound systems.

GE Healthcare’s LOGIQ E9

In March 2010, GE Healthcare announced an important new onboard feature to the LOGIQ E9 platform – eTRAX needle tip tracking powered by GE’s Volume Navigation capability. The new sensor tipped needle tracking capability combined with Volume Navigation helps overcome many of the traditional challenges of existing ultrasound needle guidance, including needle visualization and deflection, determining entry points and the avoidance of critical anatomy. This can help increase the accuracy of procedures such as biopsies, ablations, drainage, fluid aspiration and general injections.

“LOGIQ E9’s advanced needle tracking can now help medical professionals utilize ultrasound during in-plane and challenging out-of-plane interventional procedures,” Brian McEathron, general manager of General Imaging Ultrasound, GE Healthcare, said. “This can reduce time, limit repeat procedures, improve outcomes and result in a better overall patient experience.”

Before the skin is even penetrated, the LOGIQ E9’s advanced technology projects the path to the target, helping to plan the optimal angle and point of entry. During the procedure, the system displays the needle’s position in real-time graphics that are overlaid on the image of the scan plane. The trajectory can then be monitored as it progresses toward the target.

Ultrasonix’s SonixGPS™

Ultrasonix began promoting their SonixGPS in late 2009. Available as an option for SonixTOUCH™ systems, SonixGPS facilitates freehand needle guidance, allowing clinicians to accurately track the distal tip of the needle and access targets from any angle.   SonixGPS includes an Ascension 0.9mm sensor in the needle tip and a 1.8 mm sensor for scanhead localization. “Ultrasonix is extremely excited to introduce its new SonixGPS technology,” Kris Dickie, Research/OEM Manager, said. “This revolutionary technology will make physician’s procedures simpler and more effective while dramatically improving patient care.”

The sensors are interfaced with image plane and visualization software for mapping the probe and needle onto graphic overlays for more precise targeting. SonixGPS’ technology overcomes the estimation and inconsistencies of ultrasound-assisted biopsy. Clinical benefits include improved accuracy in locating deep-seated lesions, as well as faster procedures with reduced patient trauma. Needle guidance is provided by CIVCO’s eTRAX.