Medical imaging has come a long way from its inception at the turn of the century when Madame Curie, along with her husband, discovered the element radium—most commonly used in a wide variety of x-rays. This technology revolutionized modern medicine as we know it and has paved the way for medical innovation in the field of medical imaging.
In medicine, we’re used to hearing about the medical breakthroughs like artificial pancreas for diabetics, communicating through thought in patients with ALS, and implants for people who suffer from sleep apnea, but never the new technology that’s being developed in medical imaging! Medical imaging is imperative to modern medicine because of its ability to detect tumors, blockages, babies, bone fracture and bone density, and so many other diagnostic feats!
Don’t trust your medical imaging services to just business, but instead use the patient-centered services of Touchstone Imaging. We believe in the notion that a machine is only as good as the person who is operating it, which is why we employ compassionate team members who are focused on your comfort and care. Follow along for exciting news on the innovations that are occurring in medical imaging technology!
Medical Imaging Innovations
Important and evolving technologies are surfacing in the field of medical imaging are revolve around the machines processing speeds, the framework of 3D and 4D technologies, capturing specific images serendipitously, and workflow management.
Gaming software and medical imaging
Gaming software and medical imagingTo create a high-quality image, better processing speeds are required and that is where gaming software has been developed in imaging technology. Graphical processing units (GPUs), like the ones used in gaming software, is being repurposed for faster processing speeds by computing algorithms and functions to construct images in less than six minutes.
A better framework for 3D and 4D technology
3D and 4D imaging technologies have held space in the imaging field for quite a while now as they create better images for better diagnostics in medicine. These technologies already craft sharp images while increasing the contrast of soft-tissues. This technology is in the process of cleaning up clutter in the images in addition to correcting movement in patients. The real innovation may come when doctors and surgeons are able to create a 3D model of the patient and see and touch it before the operation for improved outcomes.
Serendipitous imaging
Capturing an image in the right place at the right time is better for patient diagnostics and it’s considerably more cost-effective for patients. Medical imaging is well on its way to being in the right place at the right time for patients being bedside for a head scan. Portable medical imaging reduces transportation risks and allows prompt reactions to emergency care — no more waiting in line for CT scans or MRIs.
Workflow management
Better technology for doctors, surgeons, and imaging technicians can vastly improve patient care. Currently, it can take an orthopedic surgeon five to six clicks to calculate a knee alignment. Technology is progressing so medical professionals can use fewer clicks or keystrokes when figuring patient care information.
The future of medical imaging may not seem as bright and shiny as some medical breakthroughs, however, the implications it has for patients is life-changing. In time the field will be brimming with clearer images at faster processing speeds, 3D and 4D technologies that allow surgeons to tangibly replicate and explore a patient’s procedure before the actual surgery, better workflow management, and serendipitous imaging that is portable and allows doctors quick access and better emergency care.