At first, it may be difficult to comprehend how devices can circumvent through all the tissues, muscles, nerves, and bones to get the picture that helps doctors diagnose different diseases. Accurate diagnosis is one of the most critical aspects of health care, and detailed medical imaging is required by healthcare professionals to pinpoint the medical problem. Without medical imaging, they can only bring down the possibility to a few given conditions by monitoring the symptoms. However, with medical imaging devices, the problems can be located easily with perfection. There have been numerous advancements in medical imaging technology, with doctors being able to see things in more detail without causing harm to the patients. As a result, more and more diagnostic imaging procedures are being performed.
Trends in the medical imaging market
Hybrid imaging technology
Hybrid imaging is the most talked-about advancement in imaging technology. The PET and CT scan technology in one machine has augmented the innovations in this field. The system has been so successful that major imaging system manufacturers no longer provide standalone PET systems. Hybrid PET/CT, PET/MRI, and SPECT/CT are amongst others that have received attention. Numerous hospitals are now replacing their standalone systems for hybrid systems. For instance, while evaluating the skeletal system, a SPECT/CT system offers accurate localization and improves the information provided by CT.
Safer medical imaging systems
The general public is usually worried about the level and dosage of radiation they receive from imaging systems. As a result, doctors and patients may be reluctant when it comes to performing necessary scans. However, there have been technological advancements in this field as systems with lowered doses of ionizing radiation reduce the harmful effects of radiation. Reducing the radiation dose in a medical imaging system also provides them with a competitive advantage over their competition. Additionally, shifting from analog to digital systems offers medical professionals more accurate and faster imaging capabilities.
Value-based payments method
It is possible that a majority of the imaging tests prescribed by the doctors are deemed unnecessary. Additionally, even after having such images, the diagnosis and treatment plans are not very effective. With the advent of value-based payments methods, the current landscape is set to change. Both manufacturers and healthcare professionals will look to increase the quality and efficiency of their imaging service to please patients and improve their health outcomes.
Use of medical imaging contrast agents
Contrast agents are used in diagnostic imaging to enhance image visualization. It provides detailed information, which can assist medical professionals in accurate diagnosis. The rising number of chronic diseases all around the world will drive the use of contrast agents. Governments all across the world are also increasingly granting approvals for the use of contrast agents.
Cryogen-free preclinical MRI scanners
Radiologists today have a wide range of imaging technologies to choose from. As a result, it is bringing a radical change to preclinical medical imaging. Amongst all technologies, cryogen-free MRI is gaining popularity as it uses a dry magnet that does not require liquid helium. Consequently, it significantly reduces the size and weight of MRI scanners. Also, such scanners can incorporate multimodality imaging capability and provide improved image resolution. In the near future, it may allow MRI to be used in cardiac imaging and time-resolved contrast-enhanced angiography.
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