by EH
In a significant step forward for healthcare in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, a state-of-the-art ultrasound system has been donated to the rheumatology department at Cattinara Hospital by the CRTrieste Foundation. The advanced technology promises to enhance patient care by providing faster, less invasive, and more accurate diagnostic capabilities in the musculoskeletal field—a critical area in modern medicine.
Unveiled on December 3 in Trieste, the new machine is designed to tackle longstanding diagnostic challenges in rheumatology, particularly where precision is key to treatment outcomes. The compact and maneuverable device, priced at approximately €30,000, is equipped with cutting-edge artificial intelligence that streamlines operations and ensures high-quality imaging in record time.
“This is an innovative tool that not only improves the patient experience but also increases the quality and scope of our services,” said Riccardo Riccardi, the region’s Health Councillor, during the inauguration. “Investing in healthcare technologies is essential to meeting increasingly ambitious challenges and advancing patient care.”
The ceremony was attended by notable figures, including ASUGI (Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina) General Director Antonio Poggiana and Dr. Fabio Fischetti, Medical Director of the Clinical Medicine Unit, who provided a live demonstration of the machine’s capabilities.
A Foundation’s Enduring Commitment
The CRTrieste Foundation has long been a key player in supporting regional healthcare initiatives. Represented at the event by Loredana Catalfamo, the organization has invested over €1.1 million in healthcare between 2021 and 2024, with €250,000 earmarked for the COVID-19 vaccination campaign in 2021 alone.
“With this donation, CRTrieste reaffirms its role as a vital partner in supporting the regional healthcare system,” Riccardi noted, extending gratitude to the Foundation for its generosity and forward-thinking investments.
Bridging Innovation and Professional Excellence
Riccardi also praised the healthcare professionals who will integrate this technology into their daily routines, emphasizing the challenges of mastering new tools alongside regular responsibilities. “This kind of innovation requires continuous learning and adaptability, but the potential benefits for patients and the healthcare system are immeasurable,” he said.
As healthcare systems worldwide grapple with the twin pressures of rising demand and technological advancement, this donation underscores the importance of partnerships between public health institutions and private foundations in driving innovation. With its cutting-edge equipment and dedicated medical professionals, Cattinara Hospital is poised to become a leader in rheumatology care.
For the patients of Trieste and beyond, the future of musculoskeletal diagnostics has never looked brighter.
