Simulation-based Training for Interventional Radiology and Opportunities for Improving the Educational Paradigm.

The current model for medical education is based on the Master-Apprentice model which was adopted into practice over a century ago. Since then, there have been many changes in healthcare and the environment in which trainees learn, practice and become proficient in procedural and critical thinking skills. The current model for medical education has however, not changed considerably in this time frame, resulting in significant limitations to trainee education.

Simulation-Based Training of the Nurse Practitioner in Interventional Radiology.

Advanced practice registered nurses, such as Nurse Practitioners (NPs), can be found working in a variety of settings. Niche practices, such as Interventional Radiology, are highly specialized areas and are often specialties in which few NPs get to orient through during their graduate nursing program clinical rotations. For the NP transitioning into an Interventional Radiology practice, formal on-the-job orientation and training can assist in gaining specialty-based knowledge and competencies in performing interventional procedures.

Percutaneous Image-Guided Irreversible Electroporation for the Treatment of Unresectable, Locally Advanced Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma.

Purpose: To describe safety and effectiveness of percutaneous irreversible electroporation (IRE) for treatment of unresectable, locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma (LAPC).

Materials And Methods: This retrospective study included 50 patients (23 women, 27 men; age range, 46-91 y; median age, 62.5 y) with biopsy-proven, unresectable LAPC who received percutaneous computed tomography (CT)-guided IRE.

Irreversible Electroporation for Colorectal Liver Metastases.

Image-guided tumor ablation techniques have significantly broadened the treatment possibilities for primary and secondary hepatic malignancies. A new ablation technique, irreversible electroporation (IRE), was recently added to the treatment armamentarium. As opposed to thermal ablation, cell death with IRE is primarily induced using electrical energy: electrical pulses disrupt the cellular membrane integrity, resulting in cell death while sparing the extracellular matrix of sensitive structures such as the bile ducts, blood vessels, and bowel wall.

Proximal Splenic Artery Embolization in Chemotherapy-Induced Thrombocytopenia: A Retrospective Analysis of 13 Patients.

Purpose: To determine if proximal splenic artery embolization (PSAE) provides a safe and effective alternative to alleviate chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia (CIT), allowing patients with cancer to resume chemotherapy regimens.

Materials And Methods: Thirteen patients (9 men, 4 women; mean age, 63 y) with underlying malignancy (pancreatic adenocarcinoma, n = 6; cholangiocarcinoma, n = 5; other, n = 2) complicated by CIT underwent PSAE. Mean platelet counts were calculated before the initiation of chemotherapy, at the nadir that resulted in discontinuation of chemotherapy before the PSAE procedure, at peak values after the procedure, and at a mean follow-up of 9.

Is Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) of Primary Liver Tumors Necessary? Results From a Single-Center Experience.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate need for antibiotic prophylaxis for radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of liver tumors in patients with no significant co-existing risk factors for infection.

Materials And Methods: From January 2004 to September 2013, 83 patients underwent 123 percutaneous RFA procedures for total of 152 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) lesions. None of the patients had pre-existing biliary enteric anastomosis (BEA) or any biliary tract abnormality predisposing to ascending biliary infection or uncontrolled diabetes mellitus.

Vessel patency post irreversible electroporation.

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of Irreversible Electroporation (IRE) on vessel patency in close proximity to the ablation zone.

Materials And Methods: Between January 2010 and November 2013, 101 patients underwent percutaneous IRE procedures using the NanoKnife for primary and metastatic tumors in different organs. Age ranged from 24 to 83 years.

Percutaneous irreversible electroporation for the treatment of colorectal cancer liver metastases with a proposal for a new response evaluation system.

Purpose: To describe an initial experience with irreversible electroporation (IRE) in patients with colorectal liver metastasis (CLM).

Materials And Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing IRE for the management of CLM was performed. Procedures were done percutaneously under general anesthesia.

Electrocutaneous stimulation system for Braille reading.

This work is an assistive technology for people with visual disabilities and aims to facilitate access to written information in order to achieve better social inclusion and integration into work and educational activities. Two methods of electrical stimulation (by current and voltage) of the mechanoreceptors was tested to obtain tactile sensations on the fingertip. Current and voltage stimulation were tested in a Braille cell and line prototype, respectively.