CHOP Radiologists Receive $300,000 Grant for Innovative Ultrasound Technology

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Sep 24, 2018, 10:46 ET

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 24, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- With a gift that advances pediatric care, Kassa Darge, MD, PhD, Radiologist-in-Chief, and Susan Back, MD, attending pediatric radiologist at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), received a $300,000 grant from Bracco Diagnostics Inc. USA. to fund research and educate physicians and technologists to use contrast ultrasound, a relatively new technology that was only approved for use in pediatric patients in 2016. CHOP is among the first pediatric hospitals to use this technology in the U.S.

$300,000 grant will fund research and education into contrast ultrasound.<br />From left to right: Laura Poznick, Susan Back, MD, Kassa Darge, MD, Vittorio Puppo, CEO Bracco, Linda Maiman Feinstein, Esq., Steven B. Feinstein, MD. — $300,000 grant will fund research and education into contrast ultrasound.
From left to right: Laura Poznick, Susan Back, MD, Kassa Darge, MD, Vittorio Puppo, CEO Bracco, Linda Maiman Feinstein, Esq., Steven B. Feinstein, MD.

"The advancement of pediatric imaging through contrast ultrasound at CHOP currently has no match both nationally and internationally," says Dr. Darge. "Tiny gas filled 'microbubbles' that are administered into the body via different routes have transformed ultrasound. We use contrast ultrasound for multiple indications, including for interventional procedures in children. The positive impact of contrast ultrasound is very visible and it is a great contributor to patient and family satisfaction – non or less invasive, fast and with better diagnostic results."

Contrast ultrasound is a technology that can replicate magnetic resonance (MR) imaging using an ultrasound transducer. The benefit to the patient is greater diagnostic capability without radiation and need for sedation, and only a fraction of the price of MR imaging. The 3-year grant will be used to fund an educational program within the Department of Radiology's new Center for Pediatric Contrast Ultrasound (CPCU). Physicians and technologists will attend training seminars meant to replicate a patient visit, learn to use and read the contrast ultrasound, and analyze case studies.

"Bracco is proud to present CHOP with a plaque that designates this world-renowned institution as a Center of Excellence for Pediatric Ultrasound, as it represents the evolution of our contrast ultrasound education and research efforts," said Vittorio Puppo, President and CEO of Bracco Diagnostics Inc. "Bracco has invested significantly in education and sharing knowledge is at our core. We are committed to supporting the medical community with advanced research and the appropriate use of our products to support our customers' efforts to ultimately deliver the best care possible to their patients."

The Department of Radiology at CHOP offers the most radiation-free and low-dose options in pediatric imaging in the region. The department's investments in new imaging technologies support our mission of offering the safest and most sensitive new diagnostic procedures and low-dose radiation solutions. The department is committed to reducing patients' exposure to radiation and need for sedation, especially for children whose conditions require repeated studies over the years.

About Children's Hospital of Philadelphia: Children's Hospital of Philadelphia was founded in 1855 as the nation's first pediatric hospital. Through its long-standing commitment to providing exceptional patient care, training new generations of pediatric healthcare professionals, and pioneering major research initiatives, Children's Hospital has fostered many discoveries that have benefited children worldwide. Its pediatric research program is among the largest in the country. In addition, its unique family-centered care and public service programs have brought the 546-bed hospital recognition as a leading advocate for children and adolescents. For more information, visit http://www.chop.edu

Contact: Camillia Travia
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
(267) 426-6251 (office)
(425) 492-5007 (cell)
[email protected]

SOURCE Children's Hospital of Philadelphia