Ball State University: Nursing 101
(Interventional) Radiology
Introduction
The application of principles of physics has led to technical advancements and the development of new techniques in the field of radiology. This has been a major factor which has revolutionized the diagnosis as well as a therapeutic approach in clinical medicine. Various improvements in medical imaging techniques involving the transition from analogue to digital imaging and continued developments in communication technology have together improved the processing capabilities of computers and generated a quantum leap in the area of micro instruments and molecular biology .Various enhancements in the field of radiology have led to immense benefits such as higher quality images which have paved the path for better patient care . The paper shall examine some of the most recent developments in the field of radiology.
Developments in the field of radiology
Digital Imaging
With the inception of Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS), radiographs can now be captured by means of photostimulable phosphor plates in place of the conventional films . These radiographs can be digitized, and made accessible through visual monitors within the hospital’s network or remotely, thereby improving patient care . The digital images are capable of being stored on an optical disk which minimizes the risk associated with the misplace of film . Various images captured through digital imaging are of much superior quality than a conventional film, thus facilitating a radiologist to examine soft tissues or bones meticulously . Additionally, these images can also be magnified thereby boosting the diagnostic capabilities .
Three Dimensional (3-D) Diagnostic Radiology
The visualization of 3D images in radiology is now possible with the advent of 3-D diagnostic radiology. The modern workstations with higher resolution make the perception of 3-D images feasible with the facility of interactive manipulation . 3-D diagnostic imaging has enabled the radiologists to visualize, measure and manipulate the volumetric data interactively . For 3-D visualization of images, techniques such as deionizing and image enhancements are available which further aid in a better human interpretation of images . This technique is deployed to mitigate the noise and distortion present in the original image thus facilitating an effective diagnosis .
Spiral Computed Tomography
Computed Tomography (CT) was invented by Godfrey Hounsfield in the year 1972 . In conventional radiography, the penetrations of X-rays were possible through one angle only, but a CT allows a tissue to be scanned from various angles . The removal of scatter radiation and X-ray film’s noise can be achieved through the use of various tomography capabilities .
A conventional CT consists of an X-ray tube along with a number of detectors to detect the transmitted beam by the tube . The attenuated beam captured by the detectors is analyzed by the computer through a series of complex equations so that the attenuation coefficient can be read which is then transformed into digitized cross sectional images . The patient is asked to hold his breath for an image slice during the procedure . For capturing the next image slice, the table needs to be rotated, during which a patient can breathe . A discrepancy may arise in capturing the sliced images due to the fluctuating inspiration levels of the patient in Computed Tomography .
In Spiral computed tomography, the table continues to rotate, allowing more data volume to be captured during a single breath hold . The patient does not need to hold his breath multiple times during the procedure unlike the conventional CT. As the procedure is quicker, it ensures a lesser exposure to X- rays, without compromising with the quality of images captured .
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
The use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) can be traced way back in 1967 . The test results of the MRI are dependent upon the relative density of protons in the body parts under scanning . The magnetic field causes a uniform alignment of the positively charged hydrogen atoms present in the patient’s body . To deflect these hydrogen atoms, a radio frequency is introduced inside the patient’s body . As a result, the protons start realigning to their original positions and this process releases energy in a strength which is directly proportional to the number of aligned hydrogen atoms that were deflected by the introduced radio frequency . The data are then processed by computer to form an image of the scanned area which can be used for diagnostic purposes .
It may be important to mention that an MRI is capable of differentiating between white and grey matters in the brain more effectively than a CT . The test results compiled after an extensive research have shown that CT scan is unable to detect white matter diseases while MRI can .
Ultrasound
Ultrasound was discovered in 1942 by Karl Dusslik while conducting tests to locate brain tumors by capturing the sound signals produced by two opposing transducers . The advances in piezoelectric materials permitted the superior imaging due to better penetration along with a spatial resolution . The harmonic component produced by tissues or contrast agents is used for ultrasonic imaging . Ultrasounds cannot penetrate air, which restricts the role of this technique in the detection of disorders in abdomens with excessive gastric troubles.
Conclusion
Development of various technologies and advances in the field of radiology is not static, but a continuous process. Technologies such as 3-D Digital Imaging, CT, MRI and Ultrasound are a true reflection of various milestones that have been achieved so far in the field of radiology. There is no denial of the immense potential of various radiology techniques in the diagnosis and patient care.
References
Booz, M., & RCSI, F. (2010). Advances in Radiology. Bahrain Medical Bulletin.
Goodman, T., & McHugh, K. (1997). Advances in radiology. Archives of Disease in Childhood, 265-271.
Romeny, B. t., Zuiderveld, K., Van Waes, P. F., Walsum, T. V., We Ijden, R. V., Weickert, J., . . . Viergever, M. A. (1998). Advances in three-dimensional diagnostic radiology. Journal of anatomy, 363-371.
