Factors Contributing to Computed Tomography Trauma Scan Times at a Tertiary Center: Improving Emergency Department Trauma Imaging Workflow Through Targeted Interventions.

PURPOSES: The aims of the study are to identify factors contributing to computed tomography (CT) trauma scan turnaround time variation and to evaluate the effects of an automated intervention on time metrics. METHODS: Throughput metrics were captured via picture archiving and communication system from January 1, 2018, to December 16, 2019, and included 17,709 CT trauma scans from our institution. Initial data showed that imaging technologist variation played a significant role in trauma imaging turnaround time. In December 2019, we implemented a 2-pronged intervention: (1) educational intervention to techs and (2) modified trauma CT abdomen/pelvis to autogenerate and autosend reformats to picture archiving and communication system. A total of 13,169 trauma CT scans were evaluated from the postintervention period taking place from January 2020 to March 2021. Throughput metrics such as last image to first report interval and emergency department length of stay were captured and compared with performing technologist, time of day, and weekday versus weekend scans. RESULTS: Substantial variability among trauma CT scans was observed. For CT trauma abdomen/pelvis, the interval from last image to initial report decreased from 26.4 to 24.0 minutes ( P = 0.001) while the interval between first and last image time decreased from 11.4 to 4.2 minutes ( P < 0.001). Emergency department length of stay also decreased from 3.9 to 3.7 hours ( P < 0.0001) in the postintervention period. Variation among imaging technologist was statistically significant and became less significant after intervention ( P = 0.09, P = 0.54). CONCLUSIONS: Factors such as imaging technologist variability, time of day, and day of the week of trauma scans played a significant role in CT trauma turnaround time variability. Automation interventions can help with efficiency in image turnaround time.

Ultrasound-guided transvaginal biopsies of pelvic lesions: diagnostic yield, safety profile, and technical considerations over a 20-year experience.

PURPOSE: To evaluate diagnostic yield, safety profile, and specific technical considerations of transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) guided biopsy/aspiration. MATERIALS/METHODS: TVUS guided biopsy (core, FNA) procedures with pre-procedure CT/MRI imaging at a single institution between 2001 and 2021 were reviewed. Relevant patient demographic data was extracted via the Electronic Health Record (EMR), technical details of the biopsy procedure were collected, and distance to target via transvaginal and transabdominal biopsy approach was measured on pre-procedure imaging. Surgical pathology was reviewed and assessed for concordance. Complications were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. RESULTS: 96 TVUS procedures (mean age, 58.7 ± 15.2 years; mean BMI, 27.4) were reviewed. TVUS guided approach decreased the distance to target (mean, 1.1 cm vs 8.6 cm transabdominal; p < 0.0001) and created a safe path not otherwise available in two patients. Average lesion size was 4.0 ± 2.1 cm (IQR 2.5, 5.2 cm) and targets at or above the vaginal cuff (0.9 ± 1.5 cm) and up to 0.5 ± 1.0 cm above the acetabular roof were accessible. 75 (78%) cases were core biopsies (18G; median, 2 passes) and 21 were FNA. Conscious sedation was used in 84.4% (n = 81) of cases and local anesthetic was also used in 84.4% (n = 81) of cases. Overall diagnostic yield was 98.9% (n = 94) with 94.7% (n = 89) cases confirmed as concordant diagnoses, including 57.4% (n = 54) malignant. Complications occurred in eight patients (8.3%), all minor. No post-biopsy infections were encountered regardless of administration of pre-procedure antibiotics (n = 14, 14.6%,), documentation of sterile prep (n = 92, 95.8%), or speculum use (n = 19, 19.8%). 50% (n = 48) had a prior hysterectomy, with no association with adequacy or complications (p = 0.9). CONCLUSION: Transvaginal biopsy of pelvic lesions offers excellent diagnostic yield and favorable safety profile, and can dramatically decrease distance to target. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Ultrasound-guided transvaginal approach offers a safe and effective way to biopsy pelvic lesions in women.