INTRODUCTION:
It is well established that the practice of medicine these days inherently dependent upon technology . This is evident as clinicians use a wide variety of technologies in diagnosing ,treating and assessing the care of their patients .In recent times , the development in medical devices and equipment ,information technology and biotechnology are playing a crucial role in better diagnosis and treatment of various diseases. Medical technologies such as better monitoring systems , are more comfortable scanning equipment and minimally invasive surgeries are allowing patient to spend less time in hospital and more enjoyable recovery time in the comfort of their homes.
VARIOUS MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES :
Medical technology has come a long way over the last several decades . CT,MRI and ultrasound machines produce stunning images of vital organs. Implanted defibrillators intervene when your heart rhythm goes irregular .Teletherapy machines use invisible rays to destroy tumours. Another type of machine takes over for your heart and lungs so that a surgeon can make repairs. If you go deaf , a cochlear implant may restore your hearings.
X-ray :
A traditional X-ray is made by aiming parallel X-ray beams at your body . A piece of film records the amount of X-ray energy that makes it through to the other side. In other words , the image on an X-ray film is a shadow.
CAT (Computerized axial tomography):
A CAT scan image is not a shadow . Because the X-ray beams rotate around your body , it is possible to calculate the relative density of specific points inside your body .The result is a finely detailed image of a cross-section of tissue.
MRI(Magnetic resonance imaging):
It added a new dimension to diagnostic imaging which led to one inventor calling it “wireless chemistry”. MRI uses magnetic eyelids and radio signals instead of X-rays.
Ultrasound :
Is less expensive than CT or MRI ; and continuous to demonstrate the unique advantages. an emerging application strain imaging shows how each spot of tissue moves and could be used to gauge the overall health of specific types of tissue such as heart muscle.
Nuclear Imaging :
It took off with the development of gamma camera , single photon emission computed tomography(SPECT) and positron emission tomography(PET). SPECT and PET are simply two different ways of displaying metabolic activities useful for detecting cancer and assessing the effectiveness of various treatments. A CT( computerised tomography) scan can show that there is a tumour ; a SPECT or PET scan can show what tumour is doing.
RADIATION THERAPY:
Another important application crucial to treating many types of cancer. A common trick of the trade is to aim multiple , low level radiation beams coming from different directions at the target.
TELEMEDICINE AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY:
Computers and communication have become ubiquitous in health care. Doctors are accessing diagnostic scans via smart phones. Patients are finding specialists via the internet. Medical technology has evolved a new way of connecting patients and doctors thousand of miles away through telecommunications.
Telemedicine goes beyond remote interpretation of scans. Robotic tools are being used in the operating room for grater precision and steadiness. Information technology has made significant contributions in better diagnosis and treatment of patients and management of health facilities.
IMPROVEMENT IN THE QUALITY OF LIFE :
Health technologies are thus essential for a functioning health system. With the increased use of electronic medical records(EMR) , health service, and mobile technologies, like tablets and smart phones , physicians and patients are both witnessing the benefits that these new medical technologies are bringing in their lives. Medical devices and equipment in particular , are crucial in today’s world in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of illness and disease.
