An MRI allows physicians to see internal organs and tissues.
Medical technology instruments encompass wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs, contact lenses, stethoscopes and any other constructed item used to diagnose or remedy an ailment. As technology has evolved, so have the multitude of uses for modern health care. Today's advanced medical technology allows doctors to diagnose, assess and treat health conditions in less invasive ways, develop effective treatments and ultimately improve and extend patients' lives.
CAT Scanners
A CAT scanner (computed-assisted tomography) is a medical imaging tool that uses digital geometry to create a 3-D views derived from 2-D x-rays. Sometimes called a CT scanner, it provides physicians with "pictures" of a patient's muscles, soft tissues, brain structures and internal organs. Introduced in the mid-1970s, CAT scanners are widely used today to supplement X-rays and ultrasounds. They have a variety of uses, such as the ability to to detect cancerous tumors, evaluate the extent of brain injuries and show arterial blockages and the extent of heart disease. CAT scanners have revolutionized health care, because doctors can now get a highly detailed image of inside the human body, previously inaccessible except for during surgery or autopsy. CAT scans are non-invasive and play a major role in preventative health care.
MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging, or an MRI, is another noninvasive radiological imaging technique that provides detailed "pictures" of a patient's internal body structure and function. MRIs use powerful magnetic forces to produce images of the brain, heart, lungs, digestive system and other internal organs and soft tissues. Developed in the 1970s, MRIs are similar to CAT scans in that they yield highly detailed images that can reveal tiny changes or aberrations. They are especially useful to assess internal trauma caused by bleeding or inflammation or pinpoint abnormalities such as aneurysms, spinal cord injuries, joint problems and tumors. An MRI scan quickly directs surgeons to the afflicted site, reducing the length of time a patient spends on the operating table. An MRI scan is painless with no known side effects, making it a vital tool for preventative health screens.
Defibrillator
A defibrillators is an electronic device that is used to rescue patients who go into cardiac arrest or who are experiencing arrhythmia (irregular heart beats). Defibrillators are used on a person's chest and produce a therapeutic electric shock that helps to reestablish a heart beat. In recent years, the devices have evolved into small, portable tools that allow a bystander to offer life-saving medical treatment with little or no training. The American Heart Association lists early defibrillation as one of four critical steps of survival when someone is experiencing cardiac arrest.
Tags: health care, internal organs, cardiac arrest, highly detailed, pictures patient
