RöFo : Fortschritte auf dem Gebiete der Röntgenstrahlen und der Nuklearmedizin
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Comparative Study
[Quality control of outpatient imaging examinations in North Rhine-Westphalia, Part II].
In the state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), Germany, a survey was conducted on radiologic examinations ordered by general practitioners (GPs). Part II of this study aims to determine the quality of the process and outcome. The reference standard is the assessment of both radiologists and physicians without board certification in radiology working at a university hospital and in outpatient facilities. ⋯ In the "best-case" scenario, the process quality proved to have moderate deficiencies and the outcome quality severe deficiencies. In consequence, GPs and radiologists should be more communicative by sharing information and exchanging opinions. GP self-referrals should be restricted. Sonography and examinations performed by physicians without board certification in radiology should undergo stricter quality controls. A more intensive interdisciplinary collaboration is needed to determine the optimum implementation of diagnostic imaging of gastroenterologic and cardiovascular diseases.
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Comparative Study
[Laser-induced thermotherapy (LITT) of lung metastases: description of a miniaturized applicator, optimization, and initial treatment of patients].
A thin-caliber applicator system was developed for introducing a laser fiber under CT guidance into lung metastases with only minimal complications. ⋯ The miniaturized applicator system enables the introduction of a laser fiber into pulmonary metastases with only minor complications. Complete ablation seems to be achievable in suitable patients with the applied laser energy and a slow cooling fluid flow rate.