5 Future Trends in Imaging Technology to Watch

Medical Imaging is one of the most innovative and dynamic fields in the healthcare industry. With significant developments in AI and other technologies, this is an exciting time to be part of this burgeoning field.

The following are five of the latest and greatest innovations that have rich potential for enhancing the profession and improving patient care.

1) 3D Printing and Computer Aided Design

Today’s scans can capture ever-increasing quantities of information. 3-D print models of internal organs are now more accurate and can be used for specific patients. These models can help with diagnosis and guide surgeons through the most complex procedures.

The Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit employed 3D printing to avoid issues during surgery. 3D printing models were used to test-fit heart values before an operation. In this implementation, radiologists acted as consultants using their expertise to interpret the 3D printing models.

2) Continued Growth of MRI and a Host of Innovations

The most current Prescient & Strategic intelligence report projects MRI market size to reach a staggering 7.5 billion by 2022. The market is being expanded by the evolving needs of a growing geriatric population and the spread of chronic diseases.

In recent times, a number of brand new and exciting MRI innovations have made their way into the market, including:

• Canon Vantage Gala 3T: a device developed by PURE RF and Saturn technologies to boost the signal to noise ratio by up to 20 percent. This leads to quicker sampling and high-resolution imaging. The Cannon Vantage Gala 3T is also able to stack protocol sequences speeding up neurology exams. This innovation also improves the promptness of medical examinations.
• Magnetom Vida: created by Siemens Healthineers, this technology decreases variability in patient scans. How?

The scanner’s biometric technology decreases the amount of rescans and increases productivity making it more effective than previous MRI scans. The scanner’s Eco-Power technology manages power- consuming components. When these components are not used for long periods the Eco-Power technology deactivates them.

3) Enterprise Imaging Technology’s Effectiveness as a Tool for Imaging Professionals

Enterprise Imaging technology increases accessibility and interoperability for hospitals and health systems. This technology gives medical professionals access to images and reports across multiple hospital service lines. The Enterprise system improves data integration and provides a comprehensive record of all imaging across EHRs and systems. Mitchell Goldburgh, Global Solutions Manager of Enterprise Imaging and Analytics, says the enterprise solution helps consolidate work processes.

4) Cinematic Rendering Giving Physicians a Clearer Picture

Researchers and physicians are always pursuing new methods and technology that improves their ability to investigate complex parts of the body. Cinematic Rendering is the creation of Dr. Elliot Fishman, Director of Diagnostic Imaging and Body CT and Professor of Radiology Science at John Hopkins Medicine. Cinematic rendering produces photo-realistic images through merging 3D CT / 3D MRI with volumetric visualization. This innovation supports doctor’s diagnosis’s, helps direct surgeries and assists in planning treatments. Cinematic Rendering magnifies the texture of tumors and helps doctors determine whether tumors are cancerous.

5) AI-Machine Learning

As AI technology is further developed, the possibility of a complete digitalized radiologist is not just a wild dream, but a tangible reality.

In the past two decades, medical sensors have played an important role in imaging. However, in the near future, intense computing power and cloud-based solutions are likely to take medical sensors’ place. These innovations make image gathering more efficient plus decrease acquisition times. In today’s healthcare setting, a vast amount of data gets lost as the human eye cannot gather every fragment of information.

The end goal for these innovations is to replace time-intensive work with better segmentation to produce results in less time.

What are the Pros and Cons of new technology such as AI?

There are many pros and cons of new technology. On the positive side, AI technology has the potential to improve diagnosis and enhance access for those patients living in rural communities.

On the negative side, many fear that AI technology will take over the job of radiologists. However, Thomas H. Davenport, a professor at Babson College, and Keith Dreyer, DO, PhD, Vice Chairman and Associate Professor of Radiology at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, say that AI will enhance and enrich the job of future radiologists.

Why radiologists need to explore the exciting potential of these new innovations

With any new change, the challenge is to adapt and thrive. New technology such as AI and 3D Printing has captivating potential. There will no doubt be “hiccups” along the way implementing the newest technology. Yet at the same time, its promise should not be ignored. New technology means there is exciting opportunity that needs to be explored and embraced by today’s radiologists and medical professionals.

By: Jonathan Gordon

Hey Medical Professionals! How are you are implementing the latest AI-Machine Learning technology? Drop us a note below….we would love to hear from you!

Contact the Merraine Group today to find out more about exciting opportunities in the Imaging and Radiology field!