All articles by Blatha
Blatha
Bit by bit
In ongoing efforts to reduce radiation exposure to patients and healthcare professionals alike, how big a role might a new generation of radiation dose monitoring software have to play? The UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has developed a Medtech innovation briefing, inviting input from industry specialists on existing and incoming measurement techniques.
The best of both worlds
The European Society of Radiology and GE Healthcare are partnering on artificial intelligence for the upcoming European Congress of Radiology, to be held from 27 February to 3 March, 2019 in Vienna, Austria.
The start of something
Developments in areas such as 3D printing and sensor technology are ushering in a new era of MRI design, with two current projects highlighting the growing potential for wearable MRI devices. Paul Miller hears from research teams at NYU School of Medicine, the University of Nottingham and University College London who are leading the charge.
A ray of hope
In a significant development for the use of X-rays in cancer treatment, a group of Australian scientists have engineered ‘X-ray-triggerable liposomes’. These tiny bubbles, filled with chemotherapy drugs, are injected into the body and release their payload when activated by an X-ray. Tim Gunn takes a look at this procedure, which combines two cancer treatments with immense precision and has the potential to be more effective at lower doses than either could be on its own.
A scanner sharply
Despite widespread use, conventional ultrasound devices have their drawbacks – they are bulky and cannot be used in conjunction with other imaging modalities. Now a research team from University College London have developed an optical ultrasound imager that can be used at the same time as an MRI scanner. This could enable true multi-modal imaging, with versatile low-cost components. Here, Medical Imaging Technology present an edited extract of their findings.
Take it to another dimension?
100 sites across the US are participating in a clinical trial to determine the best method of mammography. The Tomosynthesis Mammographic Imaging Screening Trial (TMIST) will compare 2D and 3D mammograms in a bid to determine whether the latter should be the industry standard. With 165,000 women expected to enroll, results could have important ramifications for radiology worldwide. Medical Imaging Technology hears from the programme leaders to find out more.
The future of the discipline
Artificial intelligence is rapidly moving from an experimental phase to implementation in many fields, including medicine. It is anticipated that the use of AI in the field over the next decade will significantly improve the quality, value and depth of radiology’s contribution to patient care and population health, as well as revolutionise radiologists’ workflows. Here, the Canadian Association of Radiologists ask how best we can handle the transition to new working practices and standards.
Fresh ideas
A new technique of quickly and affordably creating incredibly detailed 3D models of MRI, CT and other medical scans promises to add significant value to the medical community and empower patients. Leaders behind the development speak to Lindsay Brownell about the ramifications of their findings and the inspiration that drove them toward these discoveries.
An air of distinction
Nanoscientists at Rice University have demonstrated a method for loading iron inside nanoparticles to create MRI contrast agents that outperform gadolinium chelates, the mainstay contrast agent that is facing increased scrutiny due to safety concerns. James Sanderson hears from members of the project team on the impact this discovery could have on future diagnoses and treatments.
Injection of truth
The administering of injectable biologic therapies and wearables is rising. These treatments present several challenges for healthcare professionals and patients: the large size of the molecules means that administration is not as straightforward, an effective dose may be highly viscous and patient compliance is not ensured. Patrick Kingsland asks Dr Olivia Merkel, professor of drug delivery at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, how these problems can be addressed.