All articles by julian turner
julian turner
Screen test – advancements in mammography
As disclosure laws garner wider backing and start to come into force, more women are learning that they have dense breasts. This increases their risk of cancer and makes it harder for mammograms to spot abnormalities. Unfortunately, new research suggests that simply automatically giving them an extra test isn’t necessarily the solution. So what course of action is best? Abi Millar talks to study authors Dr Karla Kerlikowske of the University of California and Dr Anna Tosteson of the Dartmouth Institute, alongside Dr Laurie Margolies, associate professor of radiology at Mount Sinai Hospital to find out.
The kids aren’t alright – optimising radiation dose for young patients
CT dose management is a major challenge facing paediatric medical imaging professionals due to children’s higher sensitivity to radiation and the cumulative effect of multiple diagnostic procedures. Medical Imaging Technology talks to Dr Catherine Owens, paediatric radiologist at Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, about overcoming these hurdles and optimising radiation dose for young patients.
3D screen – digital breast tomosynthesis
Researchers have found that digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) can detect significantly more cancers than a traditional mammogram alone and reduce callbacks for additional imaging, but should it be included in national screening programmes? Dr Michael Michell from King’s College Hospital brings Medical Imaging Technology up to speed on the current data.
Veins on the brain – how the vascular endothelium affects brain function
A new paper on how the brain regulates blood flow could change the way neural disorders are treated. Jack Wittels speaks to lead researcher Elizabeth Hillman of Columbia University about the previously unknown role of the vascular endothelium in conducting dilatory signals, and the pioneering imaging techniques behind her research.
Take away the fear – MRI and claustrophobia
MRI is a valuable tool in planning radiotherapy treatment of head and neck tumours, but up to 30% of examinations are being declined due to claustrophobia. Louise Jordon of Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation briefs Medical Imaging Technology on the techniques that must be adopted in order to minimise anxiety-induced refusals.
Mass effect – medical imaging and obesity
The benefits of medical imaging far outweigh the risks when patients receive the right examination under the right conditions, but what are the challenges when a patient’s body mass exceeds the norm? Dr Raul Uppot of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School tells Abi Millar what the rising number of obese patients means for radiology departments.
The X factor – the diagnostic X-ray market
Diagnostic X-ray is the most widely used technique for early detection of disease. GlobalData analyses the market up to 2020, looking to the future of the procedure in the face of rapid technological advancements and other advanced imaging modalities.
Theatre of dreams – the future of surgical technology
Vale Hospital in South Wales opened its doors in 2010 boasting two of the most advanced custom-built operating theatres in the country. Practical Patient Care speaks with David Pemberton, Vale’s consultant orthopaedic surgeon, about the technological revolution taking place in the operating room, the difference it’s making to patients on the table and post-procedure, and what’s in store for the future of surgical technology.
The automatic choice – selecting automated laboratory systems
Systems are emerging that could potentially automate nearly all areas of testing in the diagnostic microbiology laboratory, but automation requires a thorough understanding of the clinical and financial implications. Dr Susan Novak and Dr Beth Marlowe, from Southern California Permanente Medical Group, highlight the key factors that influence the decision over lab automation and the selection of systems.
Is that a doctor in your pocket?
Non-communicable diseases such as heart disease and diabetes are often thought of as pathologies of affluence, but they’re actually a major cause of premature death in low and middle-income countries. Dr Fred Hersch, research fellow at The George Institute for Global Heath and James Martin fellow of healthcare innovation at the University of Oxford, discusses how the humble mobile phone could help shift the burden and make healthcare more accessible around the world.