Fundamental Imaging Technologies Move to Center Stage

Sophisticated visualization technologies have long been the driving force in radiology, further fueling the boundaries of imaging technology. However, most of this innovation remains only in expensive, high specification equipment; few advanced features actually penetrate into imaging equipment used in high volume, according to recent market research.

The 2011 European Congress of Radiology (ECR; Vienna, Austria) held during March 3-7, 2011, reflected a distinct change of direction for the European medical imaging community; it is time to address the majority, according to InMedica (Wellingborough, UK), an international market research company.

First, the advancement in medical imaging technology is clearly necessary for the continuing improvement in healthcare services and general health of the population. However, renewed focus and innovation of mid-range "every-day" imaging equipment, driven by the unforgiving economic climate, could have far greater impact. Two modalities on show at ECR are already addressing this change.

Complex and expensive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) systems have clearly been the core focus for radiology in recent years. In spite of this, X-ray took center stage at ECR this year, based on three core principles: image quality, dose-reduction, and workflow efficiency.

Fueled by economic constraints, manufacturers of X-ray systems are clearly focused on innovative solutions for low-end and mid-range X-ray platforms. A wide range of customizable digital systems was presented, from analogue flat panel detector upgrades to full digital wireless systems. The decline in price of digital X-ray technology has surely helped this trend, and could lead to considerable benefits for radiology.

Investment in innovative and cost-efficient digital X-ray systems has wide-ranging benefits. First, digital X-ray has benefits for imaging providers: improved workflow increases patient throughput, reduces operating expense, and provides long-term efficiency savings. Patients benefit also: reduced dose and improved access to digital X-ray service raises the standard of care. Furthermore, higher image quality and resolution provided by digital systems increases diagnostic confidence for radiologists. With interoperability between healthcare information technology (IT) solutions (such as picture archiving and communication system [PACS] and radiology information systems [RIS]) and digital X-ray systems improving daily, general X-ray is fast becoming the star performer in radiology, according to InMedica analysts.

If X-ray is being reestablished as the major modality of radiology, ultrasound is currently headed in the opposite direction. Developments in image quality, user education, and application-specific features are driving ultrasound to reinvent itself in new clinical areas. Pioneered by compact systems, ultrasound has become a true multiapplication modality.

Systems specifically designed for use in musculoskeletal, women's healthcare, and emergency medicine applications were all showcased at ECR. The penetration of ultrasound in point-of-care imaging has noticeably shifted focus away from radiology. However, within these new platforms, the same distinct goals of improving efficiency, image quality, and standards of care are obvious, just in a nonradiologic setting.

The current modality of choice for radiology remains MRI and CT. Despite this, developments in ultrasound technology are being noted in radiology. Elastography, fusion imaging, and contrast-enhanced ultrasound are overcoming the radiologists' perception of ultrasound as a "basic" imaging tool. While the challenge remains for manufacturers to demonstrate clearly the every-day clinical benefit of ultrasound in radiology, it is definitely back on the agenda.

InMedica publishes market research on clinical care devices, consumer medical devices, medical imaging, and healthcare IT and telehealth. The company provides coverage of the global market, with reports on high growth regions such as China, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East.

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