Introduction
Radiology is the process of creating images of the various body parts through the use of intense sound waves or high energy radiation such as x-rays. The different forms are used for diagnosis and treatment of diseases within the body. The most common types of radiology include Computerized tomography (CT) scans, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), mammography and ultrasounds.
However, over time different technological advancements have led to improved and new ways of diagnosis and treatment. Below are 5 of these innovations:
Technological Upgrades in Ultrasounds
These high-frequency waves which produce a picture of the inner workings of your body have become more accessible. Because it does not use radiology, it’s preferable for infants and babies. Real time 3D imaging means that the images are of a higher resolution hence physicians will be able to analyze them better and are able to view more details than they could before. Thus ultrasounds are also being applied in procedures that were previously only reserved for complex procedures such as CT scans and MRIs. New technology also means that the traducers are more mobile through innovative wireless transducers. Ultrasound in obstetrics has been revolutionized which means the physician will be able to perform a prenatal ultrasound on you and detect any birth defects on your baby and provide recourse timely measures that and treat the baby.
Angiography
Angiography is a form of interventional radiology procedure that you can use to provide a high-resolution x-ray image of the blood vessels. It offers a new pathway in changing the way illness is treated because it provides information about any abnormalities within your blood vessels such as inflammations, blockages or narrowing of the blood vessels. It’s a very useful method in detecting blood clots in certain areas of the blood system. Preferably used in angioplasty and stent placement which is used to treat narrowed arteries. A small sausage-shaped balloon stretches the arteries open to improving blood flow. You can use angiography to prevent and treat heart attacks. Commonly applied to help people suffering from coronary heart disease as a result of plaque accumulation within the vessels. The method is used to remove these blockages which is effective in extending the lifespan of the heart.
3D Printing for Medical Purposes
The advent of 3D- printing has produced a breakthrough in understanding various aspects on the human body that were previously unassailable. 3D- printing produces replicas of different parts of your body that can be used to study anatomy and different problems and ways to approach them. The replicas can be produced as many as possible. They are also good tools for practice and learning. For example, Brazilian doctors have used 3D prints to study the brains of babies and how the Zika virus has affected them helping combat the virus.
Artificial Intelligence
Various doctors have ventured into the realm of artificial intelligence where the computer has been applied in deep learning. Through the use of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) high-performance recognition images of your body system are created. Which is a huge leap in the radiological sector? Because the more the physician can see and understand the anatomy of the inner functions of the body, the easier it is to treat the disease. The images enhance workflow and the speed of diagnosis, treatment and delivery of results. Recently, AI has been used in analyzing chest images to help and treat cancer patients with chest complications.
Virtual Reality
You can use VR systems as an interventional radiology teaching tool. VR systems are used to convert CT scans into 3D images that radiologists can virtually move and examine. This is an important tool to help physicians advance their capabilities because they get to replicate their skills on a virtual platform that is no different than the real body.
Conclusion
Various innovations have diversified the field of radiology and have changed how imaging is done to the diagnosis. The research has improved the accuracy of scans and enabled health care professionals to identify the main cause of an illness. As a result, health care delivery has become more effective and efficient.
