If you're suffering from a chronic disease, you may need surgery, therapy, or a combination of both. A diagnostic imaging center in Suffolk County, NY, can help you figure out which treatments you're going to need using five of the latest trends in medical diagnostic imaging.
Hybrid Technology
One of the most popular advancements in imaging technology is hybrid imaging. The most successful hybrid imaging systems are the PET/CT and PET/MRI. They provide pristine images with crystal clear resolution, as well as morphological and physiological information, all in one examination.
Lower Doses of Radiation
Another advancement in imaging technology offers is lower doses of ionizing radiation, resulting in the reduction of harmful effects on patients and technicians. This has allowed a shift from analog to digital systems, creating imaging techniques including X-ray, fluoroscopic, and C-arms, that are faster and less of a hassle to use.
Contrast Agents
The rising demand for more advanced imaging procedures is due to the increase in the number of patients with chronic diseases, like cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and various cardiovascular diseases. This has led to a rise in the demand for better contrast media and agents. Governments around the world are granting more approvals for the use of various contrast agents in imaging procedures. These include:
- FDA approval of Gadovist injections in MRA (magnetic angiography) in the U.S in May 2016
- FDA approval of Lumason, an ultrasound contrast agent, for adults and pediatric patients in April 2016
These improvements in MRI techniques, like superconducting magnets, open architecture, and software applications, has garnered interest in academic institutes, research labs, hospitals, and among physicians across the globe. Plus with the introduction of MRI-compatible pacemakers more patients have become eligible for MRI procedures.
Cryogen-Free Scanners
There have also been enhancements in cryogen-free preclinical MRI scanners, which has become an essential step in overcoming challenges involved with the depletion of helium gas supplies around the world. Technicians are working steadily to improve the speed at which images are acquired. This will help broaden the areas MRI’s are capable of scanning to cardiac imaging and time-resolved contrast enhanced angiography.
Automated Scanners
In the last ten years, there have been remarkable technological advancements in computed tomography, especially with the rise of low-dose and automated CT scanners. These scanners provide high-quality images with superior spatial resolution with the added benefit of lower radiation exposure to patients and surgeons. These scanners have simpler consoles that are easier to use, more affordable to install and require much less space.
After using one or more of these improved medical imaging devices or procedures, your physician will discuss whether you will need surgery, therapy, or both to treat your disease. Talk to an expert at Peconic Bay Medical Center if you need imaging done by diagnostic medical imaging suffolk county ny.