Tag: ultrasound technology

New Studies in Ultrasound – An Exciting Frontier in Medical Research

Medical science makes incredible strides every year, finding new ways to heal the sick and injured. One of the most exciting of these new frontiers is ultrasound technology.

With its ability to safely and painlessly penetrate the human body, scientists and doctors are discovering new possibilities in diagnosing and treating conditions that previously required more invasive procedures.

Ultrasound in Cancer Treatment

In cancer treatment, chemotherapy often comes with various unpleasant side effects. But new research has shown that ultrasound technology can enhance chemotherapy effectiveness, sometimes even reducing the dosage of the drugs required.

Ultrasound can also help increase the uptake of cancer drugs into tumors, making their delivery more targeted and efficient.

Ultrasound and Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most heartbreaking conditions facing our aging population, and while there is no cure for it, there is hope for better treatment.

Alzheimer's

Recent research has discovered the possibility of using ultrasound to break up the plaques that form in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients, reducing the inflammation and damage that cause the disease. Research in this field is still in its early stages, but the possibility of a breakthrough treatment in the years to come is an exciting prospect.

 

Ultrasound Diagnostics

Of course, one of the primary uses of ultrasound in medicine is as a diagnostic tool. However, new studies are refining and expanding the possibilities of what ultrasound can detect.

 

For example, technicians now use ultrasound to locate and diagnose skin cancers and traditional mammography for breast cancer screening. Ultrasound also offers a non-invasive way to examine the heart and blood vessels in incredible detail, giving doctors a better understanding of the mechanisms of cardiovascular disease.

 

Ultrasound and Pain Management

In addition to being an incredible diagnostic tool, patients can use ultrasound to manage pain.

 

Ultrasound-guided nerve block injections can relieve patients suffering from chronic pain without the side effects of prolonged medication use. Studies are ongoing to refine this technique and expand its benefits beyond chronic pain.

pain

Other Applications of Ultrasound

The research and innovation happening in ultrasound are constantly expanding their possibilities.

For example, researchers are exploring ultrasound technology to treat kidney stones, sometimes allowing for less invasive procedures than traditional surgery.

They are also investigating ultrasound for use in regenerative medicine and even to monitor blood glucose levels in diabetic patients non-invasively.

The possibilities of ultrasound technology seem almost limitless, with new studies constantly uncovering ways to use this powerful tool for medical treatment and research.

From cancer treatment to pain management, diagnostics to disease prevention, ultrasound is a field that promises to revolutionize the face of medicine in the years to come. We can only look forward with enthusiasm and hope for what discoveries may come on this exciting frontier.

 

Teleradiology in Conjunction with Ultrasound

 

When you think about the role a teleradiology company like Vesta plays with healthcare providers, you might envision that the radiologists deal only with x-rays and MRI scans. We also work closely with hospitals for ultrasound readings, too. If you’re seeking an extra hand for preliminary and final ultrasound interpretations, please reach out to us today. We can handle any volume, large or small.

 

Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month: Advancements Through the Ages

Ultrasounds—to many not in the medical field, the image of a woman getting her pregnant belly examined is often something that comes to mind first. However, as medical industry professionals, we understand that ultrasounds go way beyond that.

ultrasounds

It’s really amazing to actually look at the history and advancement of such an important diagnostic tool especially during October–Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month.

In simple terms, the ultrasound scan isn’t just a medical device that can help track the development of a baby during pregnancy. The ultrasound scan can also help with the following:

  •       Observing the ovaries and uterus
  •       Evaluating blood flow
  •       Diagnosing gallbladder disease
  •       Examining a lump in the breast
  •       Checking thyroid glands
  •       Guiding a needle
  •       Diagnosing prostate issues

This machine is non-invasive, safe, and does not use ionizing radiation.

History of Ultrasound

The first recorded use of the ultrasound was in 1794 when Italian physiologist Lazzaro Spallanzani used ultrasound to study how bats navigated at night. This became the foundation for modern ultrasound physics. 

Bats produce ultrasounds in order to catch prey.

Ultrasound was initially used to detect flaws in metal casings. It was not used clinically until 1956 by Dr. Ian Donald and Tom Brown. There are no known side effects for ultrasound, making it an incredibly safe and efficient imaging device.

Advancements in Ultrasound

Ultrasound machines have become progressively mobile, easy to carry, and smaller while providing high-quality imaging. Since they are non-invasive and cost-effective, doctors can use them to track patient development without the risk of radiation.

Ultrasound technology can allow us to have an excellent view of the body’s vascular system by tracking microbubbles. 3-D imaging is also possible for more precise diagnostics.

As technology continues to expand, our medical devices tend to shrink inversely. Now, medical professionals can increase their diagnostic capabilities from anywhere in the world. For example, some handheld ultrasound devices weigh under a pound and can hook up to your smartphone, help healthcare providers quickly scan their patients—and possibly save lives.

These economical, easy-to-handle devices can change lives globally, predominantly in rural areas. It’s exciting to think that we may only be seeing the beginning of the modern ultrasound age.

How Teleradiology Can Help

Teleradiology, also referred to as remote radiology, provides medical professionals instant imaging result views remotely.  This means that patients have access to better, more immediate health care.

teleradiology servicesStudies suggest that teleradiology offers benefits, including the availability of second opinions and the possibility for remote viewing services. We at Vesta can certainly attest to this! Our clients – hospitals, urgent car centers, physician offices, mobile imaging companies, diagnostic imaging centers, and government institutions—enjoy cost-effective and unrivaled Teleradiology and Telemedicine services any time of day or night.