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Safety of CT and X-rays during pregnancy
Despite the stigma surrounding diagnostic imaging in pregnancy, such procedures are sometimes unavoidable and actually stand to bring more benefit than harm. Medical Imaging Technology explores the safety issues related to CT and X-rays during pregnancy, and determining the most appropriate course of action for these patients, with Dr Manjiri Dighe, associate professor of radiology at the University of Washington.
Point of care tests for detecting streptococcus infections
Point-of-care tests for rapid detection of respiratory tract infections are emerging on the market. We explore how these products compare with those of bacterial culture for detecting streptococcus infections with Pentti Huovinen, dean of medicine at the University of Turku, Finland.
Optical coherence tomography for imaging brain tumours
Using optical coherence tomography for imaging brain tumours could make neurosurgery safer and more effective, improving patient survival rates, according to new research carried out at Johns Hopkins University. Elly Earls meets Dr Alfredo Quinones-Hinojosa, the clinical leader of the research team behind the discovery, to find out more.
Tomosynthesis has the potential for more accurate breast cancer screenings
Although still a relatively new form of mammography, tomosynthesis holds the potential to radically increase the ease and accuracy of breast cancer screenings. Sophie Peacock speaks to Dr Marina Alvarez Benito about how early-stage detection could be revolutionised by making 3D digital mammography the standard of care.
New method to detect blood clots
Currently, detection methods for blood clots are confined to scanning select areas of the body. However, a new technique developed at Massachusetts General Hospital promises to end that state of affairs by granting doctors the ability to survey the entire circulatory system in one scan. Greg Noone talks to Dr Peter Caravan, associate professor of radiology at the hospital, about the imaging potential of Cu-FBP8.
Brain-scanning method to treat chronic pain
Chronic pain is one of the least understood conditions in medicine, but scientists from Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston have developed a new brain-scanning method that could have implications for more effective therapy for the disorder. Dr Marco Loggia, assistant professor of radiology, explains more.
Ultrasound to treat chronic wounds
Blasting chronic wounds with ultrasound could reduce healing times by a third compared with current treatments, but how soon will it be before the technology reaches the clinic and what are the implications for pregnancy scans? Elly Earls finds out from the University of Sheffield’s Dr Mark Bass.
Digital future of the NHS
NHS patients with long-term illnesses could soon be able to be monitored remotely through high-tech gadgets that will link directly to their medical records. Within five years, patients across the UK should be able to speak to their GP online via videolink, order prescriptions or see their entire health record instantly. Nic Paton speaks to Beverley Bryant, NHS England director of strategic systems and technology, about the progress made in digital innovation in the NHS so far, and what changes will need to be made to meet this target.
Robotic surgeons
Robot-assisted surgery has come a long way from being a futuristic fantasy; at Bradford Royal Infirmary, it’s a frequent occurrence and a successful form of treatment. Sophie Peacock speaks to Dr Sanjai Addla about the crucial impact robotics have had on keyhole surgery, and how financial and technological obstacles are still being overcome.
X-ray imaging shows success of cystic fibrosis drugs
Keeping cystic fibrosis patients in relative health relies upon keeping airways clear and infection-free to avoid fatal lung complications but, currently, it can take several months to measure how effective a treatment is. However, scientists at Monash University, Australia, have now developed a new X-ray imaging method to allow researchers to view soft tissue structures and monitor the success of drugs. Sarah Williams speaks to Dr Kaye Morgan about the project.