Beyond Lymphedema: New Development in Central Lymphatic Imaging and Interventions

Description:

About the speaker: Dr. Itkin is a Professor of Radiology and Pediatrics at the University of Pennsylvania and Nemours Children’s Hospital where he is a co-director of the Center for Lymphatic Imaging and Interventions.  Dr. Itkin is nationally and internationally recognized for his clinical and research expertise in an interventional treatment of the lymphatic disorders.  Over the past 20 years, Dr. Itkin has been actively involved in the development of image-guided interventions of the lymphatic system (Thoracic Duct Embolization, liver lymphatic embolization, interstitial lymphatic embolization etc.) as a treatment of lymphatic leakage disorders. Dr. Itkin popularized intranodal lymphangiogram-a simple ultrasound guided puncture of groin lymph nodes in order to opacify the lymphatic system, as a substitute to the more technically challenging pedal lymphangiogram. Being well within the skill set of most interventionalists, this method allowed for wide dissemination and opened new horizons for lymphatic interventions. Dr. Itkin was instrumental in development of Dynamic Contrast Enhanced MR lymphangiogram for non-invasive imaging of the lymphatic anatomy. This technique led to the discovery of pathophysiology of several diseases such as plastic bronchitis, neonatal chylothorax, congenital lymphodysplasia and protein losing enteropathy. This knowledge led to further development of novel percutaneous treatments of these conditions. Dr. Itkin has lectured extensively nationally and internationally and has130 peer reviewed publications, reviews and editorials in leading journals. He is a member of many national and international professional societies and in 20011 was inducted into the Society of the Interventional Radiology as a Fellow member as recognition of significant contributions to the field of cardiovascular and interventional radiology. In 2015 he was presented with University of Pennsylvania, “Luigi Mastroianni, Jr. Clinical Innovator Award” and in 2018 “Award of Excellence and Innovation in IR" by Cardiovascular and Interventional Society of Europe".