Tag: advancements in radiology

RSNA 2024 Highlights: AI, Imaging Advancements, and Industry Recognition

The Radiological Society of North America’s (RSNA) 2024 annual meeting showcased significant advancements in medical imaging, including artificial intelligence (AI), innovations in computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and strategies to address the ongoing radiology staffing shortage. The event also honored leaders in the field for their exceptional contributions.

Advancements in Radiology Technology

AI Integration

 Artificial intelligence was a major focus, with over 200 exhibitors showcasing AI-related innovations. The FDA has approved nearly 1,000 clinical AI algorithms, 80% of which pertain to medical imaging. AI’s expanding role includes rapid stroke detection, workflow orchestration, and FFR-CT assessments, now included in national guidelines. However, discussions emphasized the need for rigorous monitoring to prevent bias and performance degradation in these algorithms.

CT and MRI Innovations

 The conference highlighted advancements in imaging technologies, unveiling three new AI-enhanced CT systems aimed at improving diagnostics and patient comfort. These innovations promise faster, more accurate imaging, enhancing both clinical outcomes and workflow efficiency.

Addressing the Staffing Shortage

 The radiology workforce shortage remains a critical challenge. Proposed solutions include expanding residency programs, adopting AI to reduce workloads, and ensuring fair compensation. While AI shows promise in easing demands, experts caution it is not a standalone solution to the staffing crisis. Teleradiology companies like Vesta can play a vital role in addressing these shortages by providing access to qualified radiologists, ensuring timely interpretations, and supporting healthcare facilities in maintaining efficient workflows.

Industry Recognition

RSNA 2024 also celebrated the accomplishments of industry leaders:

  • Gold Medal Awards: Recognizing excellence in leadership and innovation, the awards were presented to James P. Borgstede, MD, Elizabeth S. Burnside, MD, MPH, and Beverly G. Coleman, MD, for their groundbreaking contributions to radiology and healthcare.
  • Alexander R. Margulis Award for Scientific Excellence: This award honored the authors of a 20-year study on low-dose CT screening for lung cancer, emphasizing its life-saving potential through early detection.
  • Outstanding Researcher Award: Jeffrey G. Jarvik, MD, MPH, was recognized for his impactful work in spine imaging and back pain research.

Conclusion

RSNA 2024 reinforced radiology’s pivotal role in healthcare, spotlighting transformative technologies, addressing workforce challenges, and honoring outstanding achievements. The integration of AI, combined with ongoing innovation in imaging and efforts to bolster the radiology workforce, ensures the field continues to thrive and evolve.

 

Sources:

Radiologbusiness.com
 rsna.org
openai.com

 

AI Advancements to Watch for in Radiology

Over recent years, radiology has seen many advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). Since medical imaging produces 90% of all healthcare data, radiologists have experienced a heavy workload for years. The COVID pandemic increased the backlog of radiologists, due to shutdowns and COVID regulations. 

new tech in radiology

Many have turned to AI as a solution to this problem, citing its numerous benefits in several aspects of imaging. AI allows radiologist departments to get more done in a shorter period of time by automating administrative tasks like paperwork, scheduling, and tracking follow-ups, while also prioritizing certain tasks for a more streamlined process. 

However AI is able to do much more than that. It can sort through data and images,  quickly giving physicians the best, most relevant information. Moreover, new AI algorithms also pick up on complex images and markers found in scans, findings that might not be visible to humans. This combination allows radiologists to run the information through an AI program for a second opinion and quicker analysis of the data.  

Examples of AI in Radiology at Work 

AI is currently being widely used in emergency medicine to alert physicians if a patient has a life-threatening condition, like a collapsed lung. The system will filter out unnecessary images and prioritize critical conditions. Additionally, physicians are using AI for stroke patients to reformat images, which allows for a faster processing time. Some of the same processes are being used for brain scans as well, choosing the most relevant images for doctors to save on overall processing time. 

Outside of critical care, AI is increasingly allowing physicians to work with other departments more efficiently. Hospitals in rural areas and less developed areas without radiology departments will be able to implement AI to flag certain images as well. 

Artificial intelligence is also playing a vital role in the field of oncology. Deep-learning methods have been employed to detect breast cancer in patients by teaching algorithms to draw connections between scans. Google is developing a CT scan that will produce 3D images of the lungs from 2D images, so cancer can be detected more efficiently. 

There has been talk of AI replacing radiologists, but many say that is not ever going to be the case. AI still has many limitations. As stated by Walach, an AI expert and developer, said “AI solutions are becoming very good at doing one thing very well. You typically have to have humans who do more than one thing really well.” 

AI developers rumor that AI will eventually replace radiologists, but Vesta has been in the radiology field long enough to know that AI, while very useful and complementary, it will never replace the keen eye and skills of radiologists. Vesta is a consultant of few AI developers and has been integrating the technology in its process, but does not rely solely on its findings.

 

radiologist

 

With the help of more research studies on artificial intelligence, the field of radiology will see continued growth, allowing for precision and efficiency. However, traditional radiology and teleradiology will still require trained experts to run the AI programs and discern using their expert knowledge to ensure patients are treated with the best of care. 

Vesta Teleradiology

With Vesta Teleradiology, our US Board Certified radiologists work with you to deliver customizable, and accurate reports. At Vesta, we treat AI as not Artificial Intelligence but Augmented Intelligence to help radiologists improve the quality and efficiency of their reads. How can we help your healthcare facility?