The Idaho Society of Radiologic Technologist presents “Scattered Radiation” Summer Edition, Volume 62, Issue 1 May 10, 2008 M essage from the President It is once again time to push for membership and to stress the importance “strength in numbers” has on our politicians. Informing the public of the importance of having their radiographic exams performed by educated, trained professionals is our duty as patient advocates. The correct exam, professionally performed by a registered technologist could negate the need for further imaging tests which a doctor might needlessly order should the physician not be able to make a definite prognosis due to undiagnostic, poorly executed imaging. In addition to patients’ health, the cost savings fewer repeat exams would generate could be a great starting point in informing the general public of the need for legislation requiring minimum education for radiographers. Good care by trained professionals is expected by the public when they visit doctors, hospitals, imaging centers, etc. Unfortunately, in Idaho, as well as seven other states and in the District of Columbia, this is not always the case. Imaging performed using improper techniques invariably leads to undiagnostic images, resulting in additional exams. This is expensive for the patient, the insurance companies, as well as the health risk for patients from increased radiation dosage delivered from repeat exams. The public needs to know who we are--registered technologists (RTs), and the importance of trained, educated professionals performing their radiographic procedures. I was fortunate to attend RT in DC this year. Senator Craig signed on as a co-sponsor of the Care Bill, and Senator Crapo is supporting the Care Bill, although he has not yet signed on as a co-sponsor. Both Senators took the time to meet with us and hear what we had to say. Representative Sali and Simpson are not supporting the Care Bill at this time. Neither one of them took the time to meet with us even though we scheduled appointments and traveled to Washington DC to see them. Their legislative aids did meet with us and Sali’s aid seemed to believe Sali would “probably, maybe” support the Care Bill. Representative Simpson’s aid told us the representative thought we had no business even talking to him in DC. He believes it is a State rights issue and did not want to hear anything we tried to say. I want to encourage ALL Idaho technologists to flood our elected officials with letters and e-mails asking them to support the Care Bill. If you are reading this, more than likely you are a member of the ISRT. I solicit each of you to promote ISRT to your technologist co-workers, and send the ISRT your e-mail addresses so Page 1 The ISRT Web Address is: http://www.isu.edu/isrt/ you all can be informed of any noteworthy radiographic events in our state. Please send your email addresses to ISRT@live.com. Let’s work together to promote the importance of utilizing qualified/registered technologists (RTs). It is essential that we recognize the importance of this work we do everyday to the medical community. Demonstrate PRIDE in our profession. We are RADIOGRAPHERS! Thank you, Larry D Stoller RT(R) ISRT President Executive Committee 2008-2009 CHAIRMAN Molly Arnzen, BSRT, (R)(M)(ARDIS) 5714 W. Pinegrove Drive Coeur d' Alene, Idaho 83815 mutt2jeff@aol.com cell (208) 659-2083 / Home: (208)765-1379 Secretary Candice Moore, BSRS, RT(R)(M) P.O.Box 633 Wendell, ID 83355 Work, (208) 934-4433, ext. 1113 Home, (208) 536-2915 moorec@slrmc.org PRESIDENT Larry Stoller RT (R) 11925 W. Dreamcatcher Boise, Idaho 83709 Home 208 562-0315 Lstoller@sitestar.net WEBMASTER Dan Hobbs, MSRS, RT(R)(CT)(MR) 685 Lemhi Pocatello, ID 83201 Email: hobbsdan@isu.edu Work: (208) 282-4112 / Home: (208) 238-0791 PRESIDENT ELECT David Brinegar, RT(R) 1716 Scorpio Dr. Nampa, ID 83651 Home: (208)989-9319 brinegar1969@yahoo.com MEMBERSHIP/TREASURER Duane R. McCrorie, MS, RT(R) 2220 Wilmington Dr. Boise, ID 83704-7051 Home: (208)322-2801 dncmc-1@clearwire.net Page 2 SCATTERED RADIATION EDITOR Casey Jackman, RT(R)(MR) 1975 Judy Lane Pocatello, ID 83201 Email: Casey@imagingmangers.com Work: (208) 239-2370 Home: (208) 237-0339 The ISRT Web Address is: http://www.isu.edu/isrt/ District Officers 2008-2009 SWISRT (Co-Presidents) Michael Gurr, R.T.(R) 5510 Roundup Boise, ID 83709 (208) 362-0408 bedside@aol.com Bill Hanson, R.T.(R) PO Box 1864 Nampa, ID 83653 Home (208)880-5805 B_b70hanson@clearwire.net NISRT President Virginia Kantola, RT(R)(M) PO Box 513 St. Maries, ID 83861 virgkant@yahoo.com SCISRT President Andrea Summers, R.T.(R)(M) 1121 A E. 2900 S. Hagerman, ID 83332 Work (208)934-4433 Cell (208)731-7086 Home (208)837-6304 idahoandi@onewest.net SEIRST President Dan Hobbs, RT(R) 685 Lemhi Pocatello, ID 83201 Home (208)238-0791 hobbsdan@isu.edu Page 3 The ISRT Web Address is: http://www.isu.edu/isrt/ Jean Machacek Memorial Award NOMINATE SOMEONE FOR THE JEAN MACHACEK MEMORIAL AWARD This award is given to honor individuals in the profession of Radiological Technology. A nominee for this award shall be: 1) an active member or retired member of the ISRT, (2) worked as a technologist in the State of Idaho for at least five years, and (3) not have been a previous recipient of this award. If you would like to nominate someone for this award please send a nomination letter to: Candice Moore, BSRS, RT(R)(M) P.O. Box 633 Wendell, ID 83355 Email: candice_land@hotmail.com The nomination letter must include: (1) The name, address, home and work phone numbers and place of employment for both the nominee and the person making the nomination. (2) Specific reason why the individual is being nominated. (3) Documentation of the individual’s accomplishments and how they relate to the reasons for which they have been nominated. The nomination deadline is April 10, 2006 The Jean Machacek Award nominee represents an individual who: Has a solid knowledge of the field of Radiologic Technology or a subspecialty. Demonstrates a selfless commitment to the profession. Shows enthusiastic support to the Society by consistently being actively involved in the Society. Demonstrates service to the Society by performance of a duty within the ISRT. Demonstrates leadership in the profession. Utilizes and shares expertise, which positively affects the profession, peers, students, and profession. Has contributed to the profession in the areas of research, publication, and presentation. Continually seeks to improve knowledge above and beyond the requirements of the profession. Understands and practices ethics, morality, and professionalism. Demonstrates leadership, commitment to quality, and responsibility. Page 4 The ISRT Web Address is: http://www.isu.edu/isrt/ Previous Winners of the Jean Machacek Memorial Award: 1. 1966 Cecil Watson 2. 1967 Norman Coe 3. 1968 Ila Howard 4. 1969 Jim Madden 5. 1970 Sister Mary Boniface 6. 1972 Sister M. Carolyn 7. 1976 Jean Machacek 8. 1977 Lea Birr 9. 1978 Jolyn Lawson 10. 1981 Donna Auer 11. 1982 Jona Post 12. 1983 Thomas Kraker 13. 1984 Jana Hughes 14. 1985 C. Mellinger 15. 1986 Thomas Kraker 16. 1987 Randall Pickett 17. 1991 Joanne Eisenbarth 18. 1995 Gary Watkins 19. 1996 Debbie Reinke 20. 1997 Duane McCorie 21. 1998 Richelle Lasley 22. 1999 Debbie Murray 23. 2002 Lynda Snider 24. 2003 Scott Staley 25. 2004 Virginia Kantola 26. 2005 Dan Hobbs 27. Page 5 The ISRT Web Address is: http://www.isu.edu/isrt/ MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM Name: Address: City: Employer: State: Zip Date: Home Phone: Email Address: Work Phone: ARRT#____________________________ MEMBERSHIP STATUS MEMBERSHIP STATUS CERTIFICATIONS OTHER THAN RADIOGRAPHY RENEWAL NEW MEMBERSHIP STUDENT MEMBER RETIRED LIFE MEMBER MAMMOGRAPHY CAT SCAN MRI RDMS NUCLEAR MEDICINE OTHER ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DUES: Membership is from January to January. There are no prorated membership fees. There is a $5.00 application fee for all new members and for those who have let their membership lapse (for dues received after February 28th). The membership fees are as follows: RENEWAL NEW MEMBER STUDENT OR RETIRED GRADUATE (with verification) $25.00 $30.00 $ 5.00 FREE Make check payable to I.S.R.T. Send completed application and payment to: Duane R. McCrorie, MS, RT(R) 2220 Wilmington Dr. Boise, ID 83704-7051 THIS IS THE ONLY FORM ACCEPTED FOR MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION Revised May 3, 2008 Page 6 The ISRT Web Address is: http://www.isu.edu/isrt/ Winners in the Essay and Poster Competition Essay Competition 1st place ($100): Kevin Bean (middle) 2nd Place: ($50): Natalie Gerratt 3rd Place ($25): Nick Lake Page 7 The ISRT Web Address is: http://www.isu.edu/isrt/ Kevin’s winning Essay LIFE SAVING FETAL SURGERY Life Saving Fetal Surgery Kevin Bean ISRT April 2008 Page 8 The ISRT Web Address is: http://www.isu.edu/isrt/ Abstract Each year many children are born with severe birth defects that force them to live the rest of their lives with a deformity, or die from the result of it. However, parents can now choose to have a controversial surgery called fetal surgery to correct the baby’s deformity while the baby is still inside the womb. Cases that require fetal surgery must be life threatening to the fetus, but at the same time, must not pose too much of a risk to the mother. Fetal surgery can be a great life saving treatment for the fetus, but at the same time the risks for the surgery are so great that many people are against this controversial surgery. Page 9 The ISRT Web Address is: http://www.isu.edu/isrt/ Life Saving Fetal Surgery The day a child is born into this world is a day filled with emotion, excitement, and fear of the unknown. Often it is the unknown that parents spend considerable time worrying about. This happens because of the possibility of delivering a baby that is not alive. Fetal demise is a tragic event and is very difficult for anyone to experience. However, unlike fetal demise, a parent faced with knowing that their child has a deformity now has options. If the parent takes a proactive approach, some of these life threatening deformities can be repaired while the baby is in the womb. Fetal surgery was once thought to be something that was done only in science fiction movies, but this is not the case anymore; it is a life saving procedure. Approximately 3% of babies that are born each year in the United States have complex birth defects (Fetal Surgery. Encyclopedia of Surgery, 2007, Purpose Section ¶1). With the use of ultrasound, defects and malformations are much easier to diagnose before surgery or before they become irreversible. Although most diagnosed malformations are best managed with postnatal surgery, there are select cases in which treatment prior to birth may be the best option (Antsaklis, 2004). Fetal surgery usually becomes an option when it is feared that the fetus will not live long enough to make it to delivery or will die soon after birth (Fetal Surgery. Children’s Hospital Boston, 2007, When Section ¶1). Fetal surgery is still rare, with no more than 600 candidates each year in the United States, but interest is continually growing around the globe (Kalb & Carmichael, 2003). Currently in the United States, only three medical institutions are performing fetal surgeries: The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and the University of California, San Francisco (Myers, Cohen, Galinkin, Gaiser, & Kurth, 2002). Page 10 The ISRT Web Address is: http://www.isu.edu/isrt/ The History of Fetal Surgery Fetal surgery is believed to have started in 1963 when Sir William Liley performed an intrauterine transfusion of a fetus with Rh-isoimmunization. Although the fetus did not survive the entire term of its birth, it is recorded as the first successful fetal surgery (Antsaklis, 2004). A few years later, a doctor in San Juan, Puerto Rico, performed the first fetal surgery in which the patient actually survived. This case remained an isolated incident due to the fact that most subsequent attempts were failures (Fauza, 1999). Interest in fetal surgery seemed to resurface around the early to mid 1970’s. In 1981, Dr. Michael Harrison of the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF) achieved the first true fetal operation. Dr. Harrison used open fetal surgery to correct severe blockages of the urinary tract (Farrand, 1996). Research of the fetus, and testing on animals, has brought the field of fetal surgery a long way from the early 1960’s to where it is today. Two Types of Fetal Surgery Open Fetal Surgery Fetal surgery can be completed two ways. The first way is by open fetal surgery where an incision is made into the abdomen, exposing the uterus; the uterus is then opened using a special stapling device and surgery is then performed on the fetus (Techniques, 2007, Open Fetal Surgery Fig. 1. Open Fetal Surgery Note. Miracle Surgery. Retrieved December 4, 2007, from: http://biology.about.com/library/weekly/aa11189 9.htm Section ¶1). (See Fig. 1) During surgery, amniotic fluid is drained from the uterus, and then stored in a warmer so it can be used once the surgery is complete. Open fetal surgery is often used to correct myelomeningocele or spina bifida, to remove Page 11 The ISRT Web Address is: http://www.isu.edu/isrt/ cystic masses, or to remove tumors. Due to the nature of open fetal surgery, the child is delivered via cesarean section, and all subsequent children will also be born cesarean section. A few of the biggest risks associated with open fetal surgery include: bleeding, infection, preterm labor, and complications due to the anesthesia medications (Fetal Surgery. Children’s Hospital Boston, 2007, What Section ¶1). The magnitude of the surgery is comparable to the removal of the gall bladder or a cesarean section, except after the operation, the mother is still pregnant (Techniques, 2007, Open Fetal Surgery Section ¶1). Fetoscopic Intervention The second way fetal surgery can be completed is fetoscopic intervention. (See Fig. 2) Fetoscopic intervention is a procedure performed endoscopically to avoid making an incision into the uterus, and to reduce the risk of preterm labor. Instead of making a large incision into the abdomen and exposing the uterus, the surgeon inserts small telescopic instruments through a small one inch incision, and thus uses the instruments to perform the Fig. 2. Fetoscopic Intervention Note. The Fetal Treatment Center. Retrieved October 30, 2007, from: http://fetus.ucsfmedicalcenter.org/our_tea m/fetal_intervention.asp. Reprinted with permission. surgery. Fetoscopic surgery is performed to remove abnormal connections between blood vessels with a laser, and to insert stents into the bladder to repair urinary tract obstructions (Fetal Surgery. Encyclopedia of Surgery, 2007, Description Section ¶1). The choice between open fetal surgery or fetoscopic surgery depends solely on the problem that needs corrected. Page 12 The ISRT Web Address is: http://www.isu.edu/isrt/ Causes for Fetal Surgery Fetal surgery is only performed when the mother and the fetus are at risk of dying, or if the fetus is facing severe disability, plus the risk to the mother must remain low. Most fetal surgeries must be performed early in gestation before irreversible damage has occurred. Fetal surgery is usually performed when the fetus is between 18 and 26 weeks of gestation (Kalb & Carmichael, 2003). It is also important to operate early in gestation so that the fetus has a sufficient amount of time to heal and continue to grow; it is usually too late to attempt fetal surgery after 30 weeks of gestation (Myers et al., 2002). Indications for fetal surgery include: (a) congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), (b) urinary tract obstruction, (c) congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation, (d) sacrococcygeal teratoma, and (e) myelomeningocele, also called spina bifida (Fetal Surgery. Encyclopedia of Surgery, 2007, Purpose Section ¶2). Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) (See Fig. 3) occurs when the fetus’ diaphragm, the thin muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen, does not develop properly. Since the diaphragm is not formed completely, it allows abdominal organs to enter the chest cavity, which leads to hypoplasia, or underdeveloped lungs. CDH is a fairly common anomaly, occurring in every 1 in 2000 pregnancies Fig. 3 Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Note. From The Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment. Retrieved November 6, 2007 from: http://www.chop.edu/consumer/jsp/divisio n/generic.jsp?id=81164. Reprinted with permission. (Fetal Surgery. Encyclopedia of Surgery, 2007, Purpose Section ¶2). If CDH goes untreated, there Page 13 The ISRT Web Address is: http://www.isu.edu/isrt/ is a 60-70% mortality rate due to pulmonary hypoplasia. A prognosis of “good” or “bad” can be identified using two indicators. The first indicator is whether the liver is herniated into the chest, and the second indicator is the lung to heart ratio. Liver herniation is a necessary criterion for the recommendation of fetal surgery. Intrauterine correction of CDH is treated fetoscopically with tracheal occlusion (Antsaklis, 2004). Tracheal occlusion is when a detachable silicon balloon is placed between the carina and the vocal cords of the fetus. The balloon is used to block off the trachea to enhance the normal positive pressure in the developing lungs (Harrison et al., 2003). Once the trachea is blocked off, the lungs begin to fill normally with fluid, forcing the abdominal organs back in to the abdominal cavity. After the baby is delivered, the balloon is then removed, and the actual hernia is then repaired (Farrand, 1996). Urinary Tract Obstruction Urinary tract obstruction occurs when the urethra becomes obstructed or fails to develop normally. When this happens, urine gets backed up in the kidneys causing the bladder to become enlarged, or causing the destruction of tissue. Also, since fetal urine is a major component of amniotic fluid, the amount of amniotic fluid decreases due to the blockage (Fetal Surgery. Encyclopedia of Surgery, 2007, Purpose Section ¶2). Obstruction of the fetal urinary tract can lead to renal abnormalities that may cause hydronephrosis or renal dysplasia. However, most fetuses with urinary tract obstructions do not require in utero treatments and fetuses with unilateral obstruction are not candidates for prenatal treatment at all. Urinary obstruction is most commonly corrected with the placement of a double pigtail vesicoamniotic catheter percutaneoulsy under the guidance of ultrasound (Antsaklis, 2004). Page 14 The ISRT Web Address is: http://www.isu.edu/isrt/ Congenital Cystic Adenomatoid Malformation Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation is a large mass of malformed lung tissue that does not function properly. Due to the large size of the mass, it may put pressure on the heart and lead to heart failure. Lung development can also be affected and pulmonary hypoplasia may result (Fetal Surgery. Encyclopedia of Surgery, 2007, Purpose Section ¶2). Management for the fetus depends on gestational age. For fetuses of more than 32 weeks of gestation, early delivery is recommended so the lesion may be removed after birth. For those with less than 32 weeks gestation, fetal ultrasound guided thoracocentesis has been proposed to treat the cystic lesions (Antsaklis, 2004). Sacrococcygeal Teratoma Sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) (See Fig. 4) is a fetal tumor that develops at the base of the spine (coccyx) and is usually benign. SCTs are the most common neonatal tumors affecting an estimated 1 in every 35,000 to 40,000 newborns in the United States every year. Most patients affected by SCT remain asymptomatic while in the uterus and are diagnosed after birth. The tumor may get very large, and since the Fig. 4 Sacrococcygeal Teratoma Note. The Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment. Retrieved November 13, 2007, from: http://www.chop.edu/consumer/jsp/divisio n/generic.jsp?id=81172. Reprinted with permission. tumor is filled with blood vessels, it puts an enormous amount of stress on the heart (Fetal Surgery. Encyclopedia of Surgery, 2007, Purpose Section ¶2). If the tumor is noticed after 30 weeks of gestation, emergency cesarean section should be performed and the tumor removed. However, if Page 15 The ISRT Web Address is: http://www.isu.edu/isrt/ the tumor is noticed before 30 weeks of gestation, the tumor is operated on in utero by ligating the blood flow to the tumor with high powered lasers (Antsaklis, 2004). Myelomeningocele (Spina Bifida) Myelomeningocele, also called spina bifida, is a condition in which the spine does not close properly while the fetus develops. The spinal cord may then be exposed, or may protrude through an opening in the lower back (See Fig. 5). Some of the effects of spina bifida include: paralysis, neurological problems, bowel and bladder problems, and hydrocephalus, which is fluid buildup in the brain. Spina bifida is Fig. 5 Myelomeningocele (Spina Bifida) Note. Birth Defects and Brain Development. Retrieved November 13, 2007, from: http://www.humanillnesses.com/Behaviora l-Health-A-Br/Birth-Defects-and-BrainDevelopment.html. fairly common in the United States affecting 1 out of every 1,000 babies (Antsaklis, 2004). Spina bifida is corrected using open fetal surgery. The mother’s uterus is cut open to expose the fetus, and the fetus is then centered so that the myelomeningocele sac is located right where the uterus has been opened. Once the fetus is placed properly, the myelomeningocele sac is then closed up, so that the spinal cord is no longer exposed or protruding (Bruner & Tulipan, 2005). Fetal surgery for spina bifida has become quite controversial over the past years, because spina bifida is not life threatening, unlike the previous indications for fetal surgery that have already been mentioned (Kalb & Carmichael, 2003). Risks Associated with Fetal Surgery Page 16 The ISRT Web Address is: http://www.isu.edu/isrt/ Fetal surgery does appear to be a great option for families who have a fetus with a severe deformity which can lead to death. However, there are several risks involved with every surgery; they include risks for the mother and risks for the fetus. A few of the mother’s risks include: (a) infection of the incision, or lining of the uterus, (b) premature labor, (c) bleeding, (d) gestational diabetes, (e) leakage of amniotic fluid, and (f) infertility (Fetal Surgery. Encyclopedia of Surgery, 2007, Risk Section ¶1). Preterm delivery, which occurs because of the disruption to the uterus, is the Achilles’ heel of fetal surgery. Preterm labor increases the fetus’ chances of developing lung problems and even learning disabilities later in life. Another challenge that poses a huge threat to the success of the surgery is the placenta. The placenta can develop anywhere in the uterus, which means it can be obstructing access to the fetus, and a single cut in the tissue of the placenta can put the lives of the fetus and the mother in extreme danger. Additionally, with an incision in the uterus, the risk of amniotic fluid leaking to perilously low levels can lead to death of the fetus (Kalb & Carmichael, 2003). Many deaths result from attempts at fetal surgery, but when the fetus’ life is in danger regardless, the risk can be worth it. Deaths associated with fetal surgery can almost be expected. When something like fetal surgery is performed, there are too many risks involved for every case to be a success. Ethics of Fetal Surgery Fetal surgery is very controversial and has been under scrutiny ever since the first surgery was performed. Many people are opposed to fetal surgery due to that fact that there are two patients at risk, rather than just one. In most of the fetal surgery cases the fetus is doomed for death. This tends to make one wonder if the benefit to the fetus is worth the risk to the mother as well (Fauza, 1999). For these reasons, fetal surgery is now taking physicians out of the operating Page 17 The ISRT Web Address is: http://www.isu.edu/isrt/ room and putting them directly into the political arena. Most physicians know that their role in the future of fetal surgery is absolutely necessary to further the developments. Diana Farmer, a fetal surgeon at the University of California, San Francisco, said this, “We can be a lightning rod used to further a cause, either pro or con, but you can’t let that deter you from your mission as a physician” (Kalb & Carmichael, 2003, p. 2). The debate for fetal surgery has also struck a cord deep within the abortion discussion, as well as with many groups, such as Pro-Life Maternal-Fetal Medicine, or Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health. These groups, as well as a few others, have criticized surgeons for violating the sanctity of the womb. However, now that more research is being done and more surgeries are being performed, many people are now supporting the efforts to treat the fetus as a patient. While all of these people and groups debate the morality of fetal surgery one mother is extremely happy she underwent fetal surgery. Kristin Garcia was told in the 20th week of her pregnancy that her baby had the severe defect of congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Garcia was given two choices, terminate the pregnancy, or take part in the controversial, but life saving fetal surgery. She chose the latter, and although the operation was rough on her and the physical and emotional tolls were enormous, her baby is now in perfect health. Garcia had this to say regarding the surgery, “I’m glad I did it for my first baby, but I don’t know if I could do it again” (Kalb & Carmichael, 2003, p. 3). However, this is only one case of success. With all the risks associated with fetal surgery, and all of the failures, cases like Kristin Garcia’s are few and far between, and just fan the flames of the debate against fetal surgery. This debate will rage on until more research is available and the rate of success increases. Page 18 The ISRT Web Address is: http://www.isu.edu/isrt/ Conclusion Since the first fetal surgery in 1963 to today, there have been leaps and bounds in furthering the role fetal surgery has on the fetus. While fetal surgery has come a very long way, it still has an even longer way to go before it is foolproof and performed around the world consistently with success. Many fetuses have undergone treatments ranging from tumor removal to the repair of the spinal cord. Some of these operations successfully saved lives, while others have been devastating failures. This just goes to show that there is no other area in the medical field where the stakes are so high (Kalb & Carmichael, 2003). Fetuses in need of fetal surgery will always be available, but the future of fetal surgery depends on two main components: ensuring that there are people there to fight for the rights of the fetus, and research. Page 19 The ISRT Web Address is: http://www.isu.edu/isrt/ References Antsaklis, A. (2004). Fetal surgery: New developments. Ultrasound Review of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 4(4), 245-251. Bruner, J.P., & Tulipan, N. (2005). Intrauterine repair of spina bifida. Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology, 48(4), 942-955. Farrand, C. (1996). New Frontiers in Fetal Surgery. Retrieved October 11, 2007, from: http://www.med.wayne.edu/Wayne%20Medicine/wm96/frontiers.htm. Fauza, D.O. (1999). The Sciences. New York: New York Academy of Sciences. Fetal surgery. Children’s Hospital Boston Web site. Retrieved October 11, 2007, from: http://www.childrenshospital.org/az/Site891/mainpageS891P0.html Fetal Surgery. Encyclopedia of Surgery Web site. Retrieved October 18, 2007, from: http://www.surgeryencyclopedia.com/Ce-Fi/Fetal-Surgery.html. Harrison, M.R., Keller, R.L., Hawgood, S.B., Kitterman, J.A., Sandberg, P.L., Farmer, D.L., et al. (2003). A randomized trial of fetal endoscopic tracheal occlusion for severe fetal congenital diaphragmatic hernia. The New England Journal of Medicine, 349(20), 19161924. Kalb, C., & Carmichael, M. (2003). Treating the tiniest patient [Electronic Version]. Newsweek, 141(23), 1-5. Myers, L.B., Cohen, D., Galinkin, J., Gaiser, R., & Kurth, C.D. (2002). Anaesthesia for fetal surgery. Paediatric Anaesthesia, 12(7), 569-578. Techniques of Fetal Intervention. The Fetal Treatment Center Web site. Retrieved October 11, 2007, from: http://fetus.ucsfmedicalcenter.org/our_team/fetal_intervention.asp. Page 20 The ISRT Web Address is: http://www.isu.edu/isrt/ Poster Competition 1st Place Poster: Dustin Burbank Page 21 The ISRT Web Address is: http://www.isu.edu/isrt/ 2nd Place Poster Myla Gibbons Page 22 The ISRT Web Address is: http://www.isu.edu/isrt/ 3rd Place Poster Ryan Martin Ryan also won 3rd Place for a research paper at the 2008 ACERT Meeting in Las Vegas, NV. Photos courtesy of ISU and BSU E ditor’s note: Please print this out and leave in your departments so all Radiologic Technologists have access to our Society’s information! Page 23 The ISRT Web Address is: http://www.isu.edu/isrt/