CIVCO Moves Into CT Needle Guidance with RAD-GUIDE

CIVCO Medical Solutions, the leading provider of ultrasound needle guidance solutions, is committed to introducing new guidance solutions across the different imaging modalities. At RSNA 2011, CIVCO is introducing RAD-GUIDE™, a needle guidance solution for CT and Fluoroscopy. “As imaging modalities evolve, CIVCO is committed to translating our expertise in ultrasound needle guidance to other modalities,” said Robin Therme, VP of Multi-Modality Imaging for CIVCO. “RAD-GUIDE is the first of many such products to come.” RAD-GUIDE demonstrations are available at CIVCO’s RSNA booth, #8309.

RAD-GUIDE is a needle guide designed with simplicity and flexibility in mind. The device allows physicians a method for introducing needles under CT or Fluoroscopy by visualizing and adjusting planned punctures prior to needle entry.

“RAD-GUIDE was invented to facilitate needle insertion by holding the needle in the correct orientation, especially for difficult angulation and positioning,” said Dr. Luc Lacoursière, MD, FRCPC. “RAD-GUIDE helps reach difficult targets, including those that are small and deep inside the body. It also reduces procedure length and reduces x-ray exposure for both the patient and the radiologist.”

The guide allows proper needle support and orientation for everyday problems such as needle navigation while corresponding to a CT image. RAD-GUIDE is intended for use in procedures such as biopsy, drainage, injection and ablation.

The RAD-GUIDE design gives added needle support for superficial as well as deep puncture procedures, providing the flexibility to perform a wide variety of CT guided procedures. RAD-GUIDE consists of a teal needle guide base, Top-Plate and adhesive strip. Once in position, centered above the skin entry point, the adhesive strip allows the guide base to be securely positioned. The grid-like perforation pattern on the Top-Plate provides sturdy support for multiple instruments. RAD-GUIDE allows physicians to introduce needles with accurate orientation by aligning the appropriate path to the anatomic target.

“Needles, especially longer and heavier needles, do not hold proper orientation at the beginning of procedures, especially when the supporting tissues are thin, such as the chest wall,” said Lacoursière. “In order to avoid redirecting the needle many times before advancing it to the target, a device should hold the needle at the right angle and orientation. This method avoids losing time, decreases x-ray exposure and avoids incorrect needle insertion.”

Preliminary clinical use demonstrates improved accuracy and reduced needle re-positioning with use of a needle guide. RAD-GUIDE enables greater efficiency and a reduction in procedure time for clinicians, resulting in a higher throughput of patients. Further, RAD-GUIDE offers an opportunity to improve patient care while minimizing hospital risk. RAD-GUIDE facilitates improved visualization of the needle trajectory and a reduction in the number of needle re-positions and punctures during a procedure. Through these benefits, hospitals are able to minimize the risks associated with accidental puncture.

Additionally, RAD-GUIDE allows physicians to reduce high dose radiation exposure with a “hands-free” approach to punctures. “The RAD-GUIDE addresses concerns about precision, safety, rapidity and radiation exposure,” said Lacoursière. “It is very simple to use, and you do not have to expose your fingers to x-rays anymore!” Improved success rates and reduced radiation exposure both help raise clinical confidence in needle punctures and improving patient and staff safety.

For more information on RAD-GUIDE, contact your CIVCO account rep or visit www.CIVCO.com.