Autofluorescence imaging is becoming more and more important in the assessment of the severity of a variety of diseases. Recently, researchers from Vojvodina, Clinic for Pulmonary Oncology, Serbia, have shown the benefits of autofluorescence imaging videobronchoscopy (AFI). AFI is one of the new systems of autofluorescence bronchoscopy designed for thorough examination of bronchial mucosa. Indications for AFI go from evaluation of early-stage lung cancer and detection of precancerous lesions, to evaluation of tumor extension or follow-up after surgical resection. This technique provides clear differentiation between normal and pathologically altered mucosa. However, AFI has a low specificity in the detection of premalignant lesions, early-stage lung cancer. According to the researchers, this disadvantage could be overcome by addition of backscattered light analysis, ultraviolet spectra, fluorescence-reflectance or dual digital systems. In addition, quantitative image analysis is also required to reduce intra and inter-observer variability in the assessment of the disease. For more information, Expert Rev Med Devices. 2011 Mar;8(2):167-72.
MR images of the birth process
December 21, 2010
MR keeps bringing exciting images of the human body. Who would have expected to have a woman in labor having an MR scan? Well, last November, physicians at the Charité University Hospital in Berlin followed the birth of a child on an open MR system. The movements of the baby in the birth canal to the exit of the head, were monitored through MR imaging.
This is part of a study that tries to show some light into the fact that 15% of pregnant women need a C-section because of the baby not moving properly into the birth canal.
Visualization table for medical images
November 30, 2010
If you are one of those looking forward to the ‘touch’ technology being ready for medical imaging devices, you’ll be happy to hear about the newly released 46-inch medical multitouch table display designed by Sectra to permit multiple users to interact with real-size 3D images generated by CT and MRI scanners.
This device allows two or three clinicians to visualize and manipulate postprocessed images of different types of tissues by using virtual knifes to cut through sections, rotate images, magnify and view particular areas of interest in greater detail.
This visualization table also has an educational purpose as a platform clinical conferences and virtual autopsies.
For more information, visit Sectra
