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How Digital Technologies are Empowering Medical Imaging

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Healthcare has always been the most evolving industry. Thanks to the cutting-edge technologies which are helping healthcare service providers to build efficient medical devices at scale. Medical imaging is one such area in the healthcare domain that is constantly evolving, from standard computed tomography to powerful multi-dimensional 3D imaging. According to a report by Markets and Markets the global diagnostic imaging market is projected to reach USD 35.0 billion by 2026 from USD 26.6 billion in 2021, at a CAGR of 5.7% from 2021 to 2026.

Earlier only a standard computer-based tomography scanner was used, however, now, the healthcare sector is powered with multi-dimensional 3D visualization and many other technologies. Healthcare technology developers have started leveraging advantages from cloud computing, AR/VR, and AI-ML to develop intelligent medical imaging devices ensuring better and sharper images for accurate diagnosis of patients.

Digital Technologies and Medical Imaging

The traditional medical imaging systems primarily use scanning device sensors but, today, the industry has moved towards the use of digital technologies including cloud computing, 3D imaging, AR/VR, and AI-based solutions. These digital technologies provide better image compression and faster results.

Let’s deep dive and see the impact of these digital technologies in improving medical imaging.

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing provides an edge for raw data management in the medical imaging field. Based on the type of medical imaging solutions and the development level of the industry, cloud computing can be used in different scenarios.

  • Cloud image archiving, storage of massive image data, medical image disaster-recovery can be done remotely
  • Cloud image-based software applications, like 3D healthcare image applications, imaging centers, and mobile image reading
  • Remote health monitoring and image-based online consultation

 

3D imaging

The modern technology in 3D visualization produces high-quality images with multi-dimensional visualization. It comprises different scanning layers and turns out a versatile image. The potential to visualize 3D images has several applications.

For instance, some parts of our body need a precise analysis. That is why several imaging layers may be necessary to ensure a proper assessment. 3-dimensional cinematic rendering involves MRI and CT scanning process with volumetric visualization. The use of 3D imaging technologies for the scan helps in diagnosing tumors and soft tissues.

AR/VR

While using radiology processing tools, the integration of AR/VR technologies provides better digital content. AR/VR-enabled imaging makes communication easy and results in better patient care processes.

Moreover, there is increasing use of head-mounted devices in recent years. AR/VR devices present an intuitive control and interface. For instance, physicians may now construct a 3D image of an MRI using AR technologies. They can then use 3D glasses or a virtual reality headset to study the image. Advanced head-mounted gadgets detect head motion while facilitating virtual imagery. Thus, AR/VR technology enables radiologists to get anatomical details on a virtual surface. 3D images produced by AR/VR technology can be rotated and zoomed in for a better view.

AI-ML

AI serves to be one of the most promising techs for boosting the medical imaging industry. The global AI in the medical diagnostics market is projected to reach USD 3,868 million by 2025 from USD 505 million in 2020, at a CAGR of 50.2% during the forecast period.

Artificial intelligence is additionally liable for breakthroughs in diagnosis, highlighting suspicious findings, and identifying potential problem areas that normally go unnoticed. With high-resolution imagery and algorithmic support, doctors can now see details that would normally be difficult to detect.

Radiologists can speed up the examination process using AI. By processing multiple scans simultaneously, ML technology can find patterns that help make decisions faster. In addition, with the help of AI-enabled software, critical data from Radiology Information System (RIS) and Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) can be generated, reported, and analyzed.

Digital Twin

Digital twin creates the 3D visualization of some subject for examining how a particular treatment or therapy might affect the tissues, tumor, or some organ without actually testing the same on a patient. This enables clinicians to test essential adjustments and treatments before putting them into practice on patients. To date, it has proven to be a good testing environment that has helped improve the accuracy of diagnosis and predict the effectiveness of treatment, similar to AI technology.

Conclusion

Digital technologies are transforming the medical imaging industry by enhancing diagnosis and prognosis accuracy. These technologies ensure better and sharper images for accurate diagnosis of patients.

For more information on medical imaging technology, get in touch with our experts today.

About Author

Rahul Badnakhe, Assistant Content Manager, eInfochips- An Arrow Company

Rahul Badnakhe is part of the Content Marketing team at eInfochips. He has more than six years of experience in developing and curating customer-centric collaterals on various digital transformation technologies including AI & Machine Learning, IoT, Cloud, Robotic Process Automation, Cybersecurity, Hyperautomation, and Blockchain. 

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