BK BLOG

Today, we have exciting news to share. BK Ultrasound launched the all new bkSpecto ultrasound system in the urology market.

The new bkSpecto ultrasound system is the latest member of the BK Ultrasound product family. It comes complete with what you’d expect from a BK system — superior imaging capabilities that enable real-time image guidance with an easy-to-use, mobile platform — plus a few new things. Launching first into the urology market, learn how it will help push the boundaries in your urology practice.

In this video, Dr. Robert Martin, Division Director of Surgical Oncology at the University of Louisville School of Medicine, talks about intraoperative ultrasound and how he uses it in his practice for patients with upper gastrointestinal malignancies. Specifically, Dr. Martin discusses:

Learn more about how intraoperative ultrasound can influence operative strategy in two-stage liver resections through:
 - mapping hepatic vasculature with regards to tumors
 - defining margins of resection 
 - enabling parenchymal-preserving resection

Mathieu D'Hondt, MD
Dept. of Digestive and Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, AZ Groeninge Hospital, Kortrijk, Belgium

Liver resection remains the only potentially curative treatment providing long-term survival for patients with extensive bilobar colorectal liver metastases.

A two-stage hepatectomy is a potentially curative strategy that consists of:
• A first-stage procedure, where colorectal liver metastases in one hemiliver are resected. The primary colorectal tumor is often resected by combining a partial colectomy with the first-stage liver resection.
• A second-stage procedure, where all colorectal liver metastases in the contralateral hemiliver are resected.

Read about the advantages of intraoperative ultrasound in the detection of liver tumours and the planning of surgery.

Mathieu D'Hondt, MD
Dept. of Digestive and Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, AZ Groeninge Hospital, Kortrijk, Belgium

Liver resection is the standard treatment for colorectal liver metastases and has a five-year overall survival rate estimated to be as high as 58%¹. However, up to 75% of patients undergoing liver resection for colorectal liver metastases will develop intrahepatic recurrence². The modern treatment of colorectal liver metastases is based on a multidisclipinary approach. From a surgical point of view, the management of colorectal liver metastases has significantly changed over recent years.

Christopher C. Raio, MD MBA FACEP
Chairman, Department of Emergency Medicine, Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center, West Islip, NY, USA Progressive Emergency Physicians

A 72 year-old female with a past medical history significant for diabetes and congestive heart failure presented to the emergency department with three days of worsening fatigue. “Mom just has not been acting like herself, and today seems slightly confused at times”, her daughter stated. The day prior, the patient developed a mild, dry cough and fever, with a maximum temperature of 101.2°F (38.4°C). Vital signs on arrival were:

Temperature: 100.5°F (38.1°C)
Pulse: 88 beats/min
BP: 112/76 mmHg
Respirations: 24 breaths/min
Pulse Ox: 95%

Dr. Robert Martin is a professor of surgery at the University of Louisville School of Medicine in Louisville, Kentucky, and the division director of surgical oncology. His background is in surgical oncology, with additional training in hepatopancreatobiliary surgery. Most of his practice today is spent treating patients with upper gastrointestinal cancer. His management of this disease always includes the use of ultrasound.