ObjectivesSometimes it is difficult to detect small liver tumor for US and to image positional relationship between the tumor and vessels, especially subcostal view. In this study, we evaluated the usefulness of a new technology, virtual US imaging device as a tool to assist novice sonographers.MethodsA prospective blinded pilot study was conducted involving patients with liver lesions. Two sonographers and two medical doctors with less than 5 years of experience performed US examinations. Detecting time on US and the success rate for detecting liver lesions with/without using the virtual US imaging device, SYNAPSE VINCENT (Fujifilm Medical Co.), before US examination was evaluated.Results32 patients with the following 42 liver lesions were included: liver cyst (n = 24), hemangioma (n = 8), hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 6), liver metastasis (n = 4). The maximal diameter of these lesions ranged from 0.3 to 1.5 cm (mean ± SD, 0.8 ± 0.4 cm).The average time for detecting liver lesions on US was 47.8 seconds (range: 7-113) with VINCENT and 112.9 seconds (range: 14-313) without VINCENT before US examination. There were significant differences in the duration of US examination with/without VINCENT (p = 0.0002, Student’s t-test). The rates for accurately detecting liver lesions were 100% and 76.2% (16/21) in US beginner with/without VINCENT respectively. Significantly higher detection rates in the US beginners were compared to without VINCENT (p = 0.047, Fisher’s exact test).ConclusionsBefore US examination, a reference with VINCENT could contribute to the successful detection of liver lesions, even with 1cm, and time-saving for US beginners. And this technology has led to success in taking clear imaging for CEUS and performing safe RFA therapy. ObjectivesSometimes it is difficult to detect small liver tumor for US and to image positional relationship between the tumor and vessels, especially subcostal view. In this study, we evaluated the usefulness of a new technology, virtual US imaging device as a tool to assist novice sonographers. Sometimes it is difficult to detect small liver tumor for US and to image positional relationship between the tumor and vessels, especially subcostal view. In this study, we evaluated the usefulness of a new technology, virtual US imaging device as a tool to assist novice sonographers. MethodsA prospective blinded pilot study was conducted involving patients with liver lesions. Two sonographers and two medical doctors with less than 5 years of experience performed US examinations. Detecting time on US and the success rate for detecting liver lesions with/without using the virtual US imaging device, SYNAPSE VINCENT (Fujifilm Medical Co.), before US examination was evaluated. A prospective blinded pilot study was conducted involving patients with liver lesions. Two sonographers and two medical doctors with less than 5 years of experience performed US examinations. Detecting time on US and the success rate for detecting liver lesions with/without using the virtual US imaging device, SYNAPSE VINCENT (Fujifilm Medical Co.), before US examination was evaluated. Results32 patients with the following 42 liver lesions were included: liver cyst (n = 24), hemangioma (n = 8), hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 6), liver metastasis (n = 4). The maximal diameter of these lesions ranged from 0.3 to 1.5 cm (mean ± SD, 0.8 ± 0.4 cm).The average time for detecting liver lesions on US was 47.8 seconds (range: 7-113) with VINCENT and 112.9 seconds (range: 14-313) without VINCENT before US examination. There were significant differences in the duration of US examination with/without VINCENT (p = 0.0002, Student’s t-test). The rates for accurately detecting liver lesions were 100% and 76.2% (16/21) in US beginner with/without VINCENT respectively. Significantly higher detection rates in the US beginners were compared to without VINCENT (p = 0.047, Fisher’s exact test). 32 patients with the following 42 liver lesions were included: liver cyst (n = 24), hemangioma (n = 8), hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 6), liver metastasis (n = 4). The maximal diameter of these lesions ranged from 0.3 to 1.5 cm (mean ± SD, 0.8 ± 0.4 cm).The average time for detecting liver lesions on US was 47.8 seconds (range: 7-113) with VINCENT and 112.9 seconds (range: 14-313) without VINCENT before US examination. There were significant differences in the duration of US examination with/without VINCENT (p = 0.0002, Student’s t-test). The rates for accurately detecting liver lesions were 100% and 76.2% (16/21) in US beginner with/without VINCENT respectively. Significantly higher detection rates in the US beginners were compared to without VINCENT (p = 0.047, Fisher’s exact test). ConclusionsBefore US examination, a reference with VINCENT could contribute to the successful detection of liver lesions, even with 1cm, and time-saving for US beginners. And this technology has led to success in taking clear imaging for CEUS and performing safe RFA therapy. Before US examination, a reference with VINCENT could contribute to the successful detection of liver lesions, even with 1cm, and time-saving for US beginners. And this technology has led to success in taking clear imaging for CEUS and performing safe RFA therapy.