Advances in Head and Neck Ultrasound and Their Clinical Applications

Program Description: Office-based ultrasound of the thyroid and neck is now a standard imaging tool for otolaryngologists, endocrinologists, and surgical clinicians. Training courses in the use of ultrasound are now well-structured and available to clinicians in their related disciplines. Yet, as with all standard technology, new applications and refinements have expanded both the resolution of image quality and uses of ultrasound beyond what was initially envisioned. Through the use of both short didactic presentations and directed questions with clinical case examples from the moderator, this panel of experts will discuss several new frontiers of ultrasound. Techniques that optimize cytologic aspiration, indications and use of core biopsy, alcohol ablation of thyroid cysts, and selection of cases of lymph node ablation with papillary carcinoma, elastography, and the evolving use of radiofrequency ablation and contrast enhanced ultrasound are some of the topics that will be covered. An emphasis on how best to improve the standard use of head and neck ultrasound will make this a practical seminar for the otolaryngologist as well as an important glimpse into the near future. Educational Objectives: 1) The seminar attendee should learn new advances in obtaining cytologic samples with ultrasound. 2) The seminar attendee will understand new advances in destroying malignant lymph nodes and cysts of the thyroid gland including advantages and disadvantages of the technology compared with conventional surgery. 3) The seminar attendee will learn new adjunctive technologies to ultrasound such as elastography and contrast imaging.