Archive for the ‘Radiology’ Category

Radiocontrast agents: to improve visibility during X-ray procedures!

Have an insight, how radiocontrast medium help during various imaging procedures!

 

Radiocontrast agents in X-ray imaging

Radiocontrast agents (contrast medium) are generally barium/iodine compounds that are used in various x ray imaging techniques, to enhance visibility of interior body structures, for diagnostic/therapeutic approaches.

Quite common in Radiology imaging, iodine based contrast agents can be categorized as – ionic and non-ionic; iodinated contrast media is harmless, easily interacts with the body, during various imaging procedures.

Contrast agents are delivered through various means – in an intravenous manner, within arteries, within abdominal region, through the spinal canal, and so forth.

These radiocontrast agents, during CT and radiography produce specific effect – for visualization of vessels, tissue changes etc.! All present-day contrast agents (intravenous) are based on iodine; X-ray (density effect) is directly related to the amount of contrast agents that are being used during various imaging procedures.

To reiterate, iodine-based contrast agents are soluble in water, and safe to the human body; these contrast agents are used for some of the following – angiography (to examine blood/lymph vessels); for radiography of a vein (Venography); micturating cystourethrogram (for the anatomy of urethra and bladder); hysterosalpingogram (to diagnose patients with infertility); and intravenous pyelogram (for irregularities of the urinary system, inclusive of bladder, ureters and kidneys).

Other to iodinated contrast agents, barium sulphates (radiocontrast agents) – mixed with water, are generally swallowed, or administered as an enema, which gets eliminated out later through the body.

Healthcare organizations can use these contrast agents for high-performance diagnostic imaging, for detailed visualization of body structures; we are occupied with companies/vendors that deal in the segment of contrast agents; stay tuned with MedicExchange for data about radiocontrast media companies, injection systems and related, for enhanced medical interventions, to better health outcomes.

Radiotherapy: for effective cancer treatment

Radiation therapy is feasible for various malignant and benign tumors; a general view!

 

Robotic Radiosurgery System

Radiation oncology, perhaps is not a new terminology for many; yes, it is also known as radiation therapy! The faculty treats disorders, usually cancerous tumors by exposing that to radioactive substance; radiotherapy involves ionizing radiation (X-rays) for cancer control and treatment.

The CyberKnife (robotic radiosurgery system) technology is common for treating various malignant and benign tumors, in a non-invasive manner; with image-guided technology, cancer detection has been made seamlessly possible through robotic radiosurgery system.

During the process, high-dose radiation is delivered to the patient, with greater precision; this cuts down the possibility of neighboring healthy tissues getting damaged of harmful radiation. With increased trend of radiotherapy procedures, the demand for radiation treatment planning/radiation delivery systems has even shown the upward swing, in the healthcare market.

Through various radiation therapy systems, care providers can customize therapy, per varied needs at their health facility; in case of intensity modulated radiation therapy – the intensity of the radiation can be altered during therapy, to spare neighboring (healthy) tissues.

The image-guided radiotherapy ascertains precise treatment delivery to the cancerous region (tumor); this ensues in increased survival rate of the patient. For patient-focused care, if you are looking for some of top-notch vendors/companies in radiosurgery system, then you are at the right place.

We are here to help you make a valid decision on varied high-precision radiosurgery equipment for non-invasive therapy of malignant and benign tumors. (vide: Oncology)

Stay tuned with MedicExchange for various stereotactic radiosurgery products, and other related from the industry majors.

Advanced visualization: for effective medical imaging workflow!

Transform your computer to image processing workstation – go for advanced visualization software solutions!

 

Advanced visualization

Images – good or bad quality always leave us with a mental representation, of it; in radiology care units, we know – medical images play vital role in varied diagnostic and therapeutic approaches; poor image quality perceived by any means can show adversely on the treatment, and bear on health outcomes.

Advanced imaging support (image processing) is an apt solution; with increased radiology procedures, the demand for advanced visualization software has shown an upward trend, in the market. Precise and highly-detailed medical images have been made possible through advanced visualization techniques; the technology enables care providers to visualize a wide range of elaborated imaging data.

If 3D workflow is a challenging facet for you, then advanced visualization system is an answer for you, for effective imaging workflows, at your care facility; the advanced visualization software can be utilized for images in 2, 3, and 4-dimensions.

The lack of 3D technologist, and/or the requirement to examine the studies at varied locations can be a worrisome factor, for many; the tool facilitates for effective DICOM data compression, and can be used to retrace images captured from varied imaging modalities, viz. MRI, CT etc.!

Get to manage medical images – any time, from any place that you feel like; transform your computer to image processing workstation, in a seamless way, like never before.

Yes, the technology will enable you have access to all medical imaging data, and manage it with varied viewing/formatting tools; there are various companies that let users have access to free advanced visualization software, which you can use through varied technology gadgets with specific operating systems, in a hassle-free manner.

Get to have seamless access to advanced visualization software (2D/3D viewer) for DICOM compatible data; make better decisions through the technology, for improved health outcomes.

Stay affixed with MedicExchange for various companies/vendors that deal in advanced visualization software, and related!

Ultrasound guided nerve blocks – not pain relieving: study!

Ultrasound guided nerve blocks have no contribution in “increased pain relief”, than enhanced use of regional anesthesia, corroborates International Anesthesia Research Society.

 

Ultrasound guided nerve blocks

In contrast to conventional nerve localization technique, no adequate data is available to substantiate ultrasound guided nerve blocks, for acute pain. (Courtesy: the study contributors – Dr. Stephen Choi and Richard Brull from the University of Toronto)

The research team evaluated data of about 1,674 patients (23 studies), for ultrasound guided nerve blocks over conventional nerve block methods; evidences lacked to confirm ultrasound guided approach in acute pain relief.

Out of 16 studies (severity of pain), about 8 cases experienced less pain with ultrasound-guided nerve block, though the pain reductions were mostly small.

Assorted results were found with respect to continuance/duration of nerve block, and/or for the requirement of analgesics/pain medication. Other results demonstrated no deviation amid ultrasound-guided approach and conventional nerve localization methods.

Ultrasound-guided nerve block was not lower/of sub-standard to the conventional approach, for any of the outcomes, asserts – research authors. The enhanced use of nerve blocks for anesthesia (surgical) and post-operative pain management is highly actuated by ultrasound.

So far, the study results do not support any pain-relieving effects of ultrasound-guided nerve block, and more studies are anticipated further to substantiate it.

For more about ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia, and other related articles, stay tuned with MedicExchange!

Ultrasonography: sound-waves at your rescue!

Ovarian/uterine cancer, bladder tumors, prostate cancer – and other irregularities in women and men; get to read, how ultrasound can save them!

 

Ovarian Tumor

Sonography/ultrasound is an imaging type, where high-frequency sound waves are manifested for image construction of body organs, for various therapeutic/diagnostic approaches; the technology is commonly used for to monitor and ascertain fetal growth and development (embryo) in pregnant women.

Real-time images are possible through ultrasonography, for – blood flow through vessels, and movement/structure of internal body organs; since, the technology does not involve ionizing radiation, it is safe on pregnant women, over other imaging modalities.

Doppler ultrasound facilitates for evaluation of heart, valves, and blood vessels; ultrasound is extensively used for to image pelvic region, abdomen, to evaluate heart and structures etc.! In case of pelvic ultrasound imaging, the non-invasive technique is used for visualization of organs and structures in the pelvis/lower abdomen.

About transabdominal ultrasound, abdominal organs are examined in detailed, for irregularities; vaginal ultrasound is quite common with females, in gynecology.

Pelvic ultrasound is used for to evaluate the following in women: ovaries, uterus, cervix, bladder, fallopian tubes – for abnormalities, viz. ovarian/uterine cancers etc.! Female pelvic organs/reproductive organs are visualized for follicular development, during therapy; the technology is viable for individuals that are suspected of cysts and other disorders.

Ultrasound is a favorable diagnostic approach for women that have irregular bleeding, menstrual problems, pelvic pain etc.!

In the same manner, for men – transrectal ultrasound is used for detailed visualization of pelvic organs – prostate, seminal vesicles, bladder; the technology is viable for to stage prostate cancer/tumors in men (vide: Oncology).

For both men and women with bladder tumors, kidney stones and other urinary bladder irregularities – pelvic ultrasound is a feasible option, over other imaging modalities.

The ultrasound technology is not limited only to these conditions/irregularities, as has scope beyond that you read here; for more about it, various technology innovations, equipment vendors and related – stay affixed with MedicExchange!

Cardiac CT scans, and coronary calcium scoring

Cardiac CT scan is viable for extent, location and presence of calcified plaque in coronary arteries; a brief outline!

 

Cardiac CT scan

Computed tomography is a non-invasive medical technology that uses specialized x-ray system and computer for cross-sectional image (slices) construction of the body organs/tissues; the imaging approach is viable for diagnosis/therapy of a variety of medical conditions.

In comparison to traditional x-ray procedures, CT scan is appropriate for precise and clear details about internal organs, tissues etc.; the imaging technology is a practicable approach for to recognize, rule out medical conditions/disorder, and to plan, guide and monitor therapy.

As the technology involves ionizing radiation, pregnant women and infants/children require to be managed cautiously, and suggested usually for expert consultation, prior they go for one.

For patients with calcium deposits in arteries (coronary calcium), cardiac CT scan scoring is apt for the calcium scoring; the technology makes it easy for recognition of the extent, location and presence of calcified plaque in coronary arteries.

In case of Atherosclerosis (coronary artery disease), plaques/fatty material get deposited on the inner wall of the artery; advancement of such in the long run narrows down the arteries – this hinders the blood flow, to the heart, and patients with such deposits are prone to heart attacks.

Similar to coronary artery calcium CT scan for coronary artery disease, various other imaging modalities are used for cardiac disorders/irregularities, and cardiac MRI is one.

Since MRI does not involve ionizing radiation, it is safe on patients; cardiac MRI is workable for structure/function of the heart in patients with irregularities/cardiac disorders; cardiac MRI sequences are apt for diagnosis/assessment of following conditions – heart failure, cardiac tumors, heart valve disorder etc.!

Stay tuned with MedicExchange for more on CT, MRI and other imaging modalities; new technology innovations, equipment vendors and related!

CT Scan: feasibility for colorectal polyps and cancer

Have an overview, how computed tomography is viable for bowel/colorectal cancer!

 

CT scan_metastatic colon cancer

In Computed tomography, as we know, X-rays are used to scan body organs/tissues, where a computer unit is employed for cross-sectional image (slice) construction. The technology is feasible for a variety of medical conditions; in case of patients with cancer/colorectal polyps, CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) is a practicable approach over traditional colonoscopy procedure, for the diagnosis.

Colonoscopy (endoscopic procedure) is commonly used to visualize interior of the colon/large intestine for irregular growths, tissue inflammation, bleeding and ulcers. The large bowel cancer includes cancerous growth on colon, rectum/alimentary canal, appendix; in the U.S., death rate due to colon/colorectal cancer is high, in contrast to other medical conditions.

For patients suspected of cancer/polyps in the large intestine, computed tomography colonography is a feasible approach for early-stage detection of such, so that the tumor could be taken out, prior it develops further.

People that have a family history, or at increased risk of colorectal cancer (malignant disorder) are proposed for an early scan; men and women, 50+ years are even suggested to go for colon cancer/polyps screening, taking expert consultation.

Various medical groups/associations suggest individuals for – CT colonography once in every 5 years, and colonoscopy in every 10 years.

Stay tuned with MedicExchange, for various health related blogs and stories, from the radiology community, and related!

Medical CD and DVD Burners, and DICOM studies

Health organizations that are looking for low-cost option to replicate films, CDs/DVDs are an apt solution for them, to manage DICOM studies.

 

Medical DVD-CD burner

Conventional mode of film-storage is almost over, and many health organizations prefer digital storage of vital patient/medical data.

Medical CD burners are quite common now in the healthcare scenario; the CD Burners are recorders/equipment that make compact discs of specific information, which can be played back by a laser. In healthcare setting, CD/DVD burners are used for effective medical data storage and management, to replicate patient’s images swiftly and effectively.

The technology is apt for doctors, patients and related for back-up and storage of vital patient examination data; various technology vendors are available in the market, with fully automated systems for to transfer DICOM studies to CDs/DVDs, and for printing labels, to inscribe patient information over.

DICOM viewer (software) is usually included in the CD/DVD, which auto-starts with the PC, and read over patient images, and related. CDs/DVDs bring down the requirement to print and copy films.

MedicExchange is engaged in business with vendors across the globe that deal in medical CD/DVD burners; health organizations can utilize them for the technology, to get to seamlessly store/transfer DICOM studies in the compact disc, for effective backup and storage.

For more details about various healthcare storage systems, and vendors, stay connected with MedicExchange!

CT angiogram, and coronary artery diseases

Have an overview, how computed tomography is a practicable approach for cardiac applications.

 

Cardiac CT angiography

Computed tomography, is an imaging approach, where x-rays and computer unit are used for cross-sectional images (slices) of the body, for varied therapeutic/diagnostic approaches.

CT imaging is feasible for to identify, and to bar/rule out any disorder, or medical condition that any patient has; the technology involves ionizing radiation, and is always suggested to be used with caution for children and pregnant women.

Other than identification/diagnosis of disorders, and for irregularities, the technology is even widely used for to plan, guide and monitor therapy.

Computed tomography has applications in varied medical conditions; in case of coronary CT angiogram (cardiac CT), IV contrast agents are used for 3-dimensional high-resolution images of heart (in motion) and vessels.

The process is even referred to as multi-slice computed tomography; here the patient is placed on a motorized table, x-ray beam from the source is passed through the body of the patient, which is captured by the detector, opposite to the x-ray source; images from varied angles are collected in one rotation.

The imaged data is passed on to computer for 3-dimensional reconstruction, for cross-sectional slices (images) of the organ/tissues; through a coronary CTA, care providers can get to know about calcium deposits/plaque in arteries.

This non-invasive approach is feasible for patients that have coronary artery blockage; in contrast to cardiac catheterization, coronary CTA is comparatively faster and effective for the patients, but for coronary artery stenosis and related, coronary angiogram remains always the first approach.

If you require a computed tomography device today for various cardiac applications, at your specialized care facility, then we are here to help you out on it.

For more details about highest-quality medical imaging equipment, and top-notch vendors – stay connected with MedicExchange!

Now, you can even shop online for different types of health/medical equipment easily, through us; contact us for data about companies with their e-shops, available with us!

U.S. FDA approved Fujifilm’s full field digital mammography system!

Aspire™ HD – full field digital mammography system from FUJIFILM is ‘all okay’ for the patients: FDA!

 

Digital mammography system

The industry leading company in diagnostic imaging products, FUJIFILM Medical Systems U.S.A., Inc. has got green signal from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for its full field digital mammography system (Aspire™ HD).

The equipment with unmatched detector technology (dual layer of amorphous selenium; direct optical switching) is feasible for unusual imaging quality; now, imaging facilities can confidently go forward with this innovative product for enhanced breast mammography procedures.

The direct optical switching technology brings down the requirement of thin film transistors, which are presently used in full field digital mammography detector systems; direct image transfer ensues in better results – images are produced with less noise, and the technology trims down dose, during the process.

Exceptional image quality of the system ascertains for reliable and precise diagnosis, for potential irregularities, resulting in improved productivity and efficiency of clinicians.

The latest technological innovation from the company will surely make a difference in the way imaging facilities/care providers diagnose and treat their patients, to help patients fight cancer, for improved quality of life.

The company (Fujifilm) has more than 8000 FFDMs being installed all over the globe, and has both DR (digital radiography) and CR (computed radiography) based systems available in the healthcare market.

Stay connected with MedicExchange for more new innovations and stories from the medical imaging equipment market, and related!

You can get to acquire both new, as well as refurbished digital mammography machines and more, through many equipment vendors and suppliers, available with us, to restructure your care unit, for better health outcomes.