SCIENTIFIC INVENTION- CT SCANNER AND MRI

Why do we use CT Scanners and Are they beneficial?

CT scans allow doctors to get clear images of where the presence and location of a tumour may lie in a patient's body.

A CT scan can provide life-saving information on what steps a patient needs to take if a tumour is found.

(Brazier, 2018)

How does a CT Scanner work and who needs a CT scan?

People who need CT scans include:

-Detection of bone and joint problems.

-Detection of fractures and tumours

-Show any internal bleeding.

-Locate blood, clots, excess fluid, or infection.

-Help doctors create treatment plans.

-Comparison of other CT scabs to determine if treatment is working

WEBMD and Felson (2017)

CT scanners release a great number of beams as they travel through the arc.

A CT scanner produces a higher-quality image compared to a standard X-ray machine.

The data collected from the machine is transmitted to a computer, which gives a 3-D cross-sectional picture of the part of the body the CT scan focused on.

Risks associated with a CT Scan?

There aren't too many risks associated with a CT scan, and they are extremely beneficial in most circumstances.

Although:

It can be said that there is a small chance the radiation may damage your DNA and lead to cancer, but this is a slim chance of about 1 in 2,000 CT scans.

CT scans may not be the best for children due to early exposure to radiation. Machienes may need to be adjusted.

Pregnant women may need to undergo another medical exam.

WEBMD and Felson (2017)

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

What is an MRI?

An MRI produces images of the soft tissues, organs, and muscles within the body.

It is big enough to fit around an individual's entire body.

An MRI machine has a tube-shaped magnet that helps create 3D images.

(Marcin, 2023)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUUvBICd6QI- Link to video that explains how an MRI works.

Benefits of an MRI

-Can identify brain anatomy.

-Seriousness of spinal cord trauma.

-Can evaluate the structure of the heart and aorta.

An MRI can aid doctors in the understanding of the organs within a patient's abdomen and provide accurate information about the structure of the joints, soft tissues, and bones within our bodies.

What type of surgery a patient needs is usually determined after knowing the results of an MRI.

(Sheil, 2019)

Risks Associated with an MRI

An MRI is a radiology technique that avoids the use of X-ray radiation, and there are no known risks associated with an MRI.

Some patients may experience claustrophobia and should be upfront with doctors beforehand if they are known to be experiencing it.

Patients who have metallic materials within their bodies, such as prosthetics, insulin pumps, etc., should not have an MRI if the metallic objects cannot be removed.

(Sheil, 2019)

Future of MRI and CT Scans

Advancements in CT scan: \https://www.itnonline.com/videos/video-new-advances-ct-imaging-technology

Advancements in MRI:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgyIpj9-6gg

MRI advancements: 

-Improvement of implant imaging

-Minimise distortions in pictures.

-Entertainment during the MRI to provide patients with a calming activity to focus on.

-Improvements in liver imaging.

-AI advancements within MRI are already happening rapidly. Deep Resolve is an example of AI-generated technology that allows AI to provide images quickly and more accurately.

(Cassling, 2022)

CT Advancements: 

-Scientists have developed new technologies such as PCD-CT, which allows for the X-rays to be immediately transformed into an electrical signal in one step.

-New software involving AI created by Dr. Danny J. J. Wang can be said to make CT scans safer as it can reduce the amount of radiation a patient is exposed to. It can also make images clearer while still having a lower amount of radiation exposure. (Wiley, 2022)

References:

Brazier, Y. (2018, July 24). CT scan or CAT scan: How does it work? Www.medicalnewstoday.com. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/153201

Cassling. (2022, May 6). What’s New in MRI Technology — 2022 Edition. Www.cassling.com. https://www.cassling.com/blog/whats-new-in-mri-technology-2022-edition

Marcin, A. (2023, May 1). What Is an MRI? How It Works, Safety, and More. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/what-is-a-mri

Sheil, W. C. (2019). MRI Scan Machine Definition, Uses, Safety, and Side Effects. MedicineNet. https://www.medicinenet.com/mri_scan/article.htm

WEBMD , & Felson, S. (2017, February 3). What Is a CT Scan? WebMD; WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/cancer/what-is-a-ct-scan

Wiley, P. (2022, August 10). Two Monumental Milestones Achieved in CT Imaging. National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering. https://www.nibib.nih.gov/news-events/newsroom/two-monumental-milestones-achieved-ct-imaging

All images found on google images and Videos on youtube.