Sophia Khan

Are X-rays after knee replacement unnecessary?

More than 99% of X-rays after total knee replacement surgery appear to be unnecessary, costing the healthcare system millions, according to a new analysis.

Gathering radiographs following this operation is common practice, but there is little data on the usefulness of these exams, experts wrote in The Knee. Wanting to better understand this practice, Brigham and Women’s scientists analyzed postoperative data across two level 1 trauma centers.

Their results were eye opening: Almost 100% of scans after total knee arthroplasty had no impact on clinical management after the procedure. Yet, these routine radiographs cost some $1 million while administering 22.92 mSV of radiation to patients who didn’t require such imaging.

Read more: https://www.radiologybusiness.com/topics/quality/x-rays-after-knee-replacement-unnecessary-value

Portable MRI device offers key data for stroke treatment

Yale University has found in a study that a portable magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device could aid in detecting intracranial hemorrhages associated with stroke.

The Portable Point-of-Care MRI system provides potentially life-saving data, especially in areas or cases where access to advanced brain imaging scans is limited.

The team is currently examining the ability of portable MRI technologies in detecting and monitoring head trauma and brain tumors. They will also investigate the use of such devices in evaluating brain health in individuals with risk factors, including high blood pressure.

Read more: https://www.medicaldevice-network.com/news/hyperfines-mri-device-offers-key-data-for-stroke-treatment-study-finds/

Cancer radiation treatment at high-volume centers associated with improved survival

Treatment at high-volume radiation therapy facilities correlated with improved survival among select patients with common malignancies, according to study results published in Cancer.
Patients who receive radiation therapy in the definitive setting without surgery may benefit most from treatment at high-volume centers, researchers wrote.

The researchers called for further research into why patients treated at high-volume radiation centers have better outcomes.

Read more: https://www.healio.com/news/hematology-oncology/20210903/cancer-radiation-treatment-at-highvolume-centers-associated-with-improved-survival

The future of vascular imaging technology

Researchers from Kyoto University Hospital a describe the future of vascular imaging technology, including how photoacoustic imaging targets tumour vessels in breast cancer.

By visualizing the state of blood vessels within a disease, it may be possible to detect the disease at an early stage and monitor the effects of treatment.

Photoacoustic imaging may be a breakthrough technology to solve these issues. It enables us to depict fine vessels without radiation exposure and the use of contrast media. Furthermore, photoacoustic imaging is also capable of visualizing intravascular oxygen saturation in the 3D view as well. The photoacoustic imaging technology will contribute widely to the diagnosis of disease.

Read more: https://www.openaccessgovernment.org/the-future-of-vascular-imaging-technology/118836/

Emerging AI application in diagnostic imaging

AI is a boon to the medical and healthcare industry. Right from diagnostics to surgeries and medical equipment, artificial intelligence is supporting the healing processes of many human lives. 

There are several use cases for AI and automation in the medical device industry. Companies are using machine learning to monitor patients using sensors and automating medicine delivery via connected apps, integrating AI-driven platforms in medical scanning devices to improve the clarity of images and screening, and utilizing IoT to improve patient monitoring and clinical outcomes.

Read the full article: https://www.analyticsinsight.net/ai-in-medical-devices-these-are-the-emerging-industry-application/

Radiologists routinely underestimate severity of rib fractures on CT

Radiologists routinely underestimate the severity of rib fractures on CT, surgeons claim in a new single-center study published this month. There is a significant discrepancy between how surgeons and radiologists describe the number, patterns and severity of rib displacement. 

Surgeons need to evaluate CT scans themselves in order to appropriately decide management strategies and (surgical stabilization of rib fractures) indications.

Read the full article: https://www.radiologybusiness.com/topics/imaging-informatics/radiologists-severity-rib-fractures-trauma-surgeons

Virtual reality helps radiology department reduce paitient anxiety during contrast delivery

Using virtual reality has helped one radiology department significantly reduce patients’ pain and anxiety tied to peripheral IV catheter placement, according to research.

Children can experience considerable discomfort and distress during the insertion of these devices, used for administering contrast agents, among other things. However, the University of California, Los Angeles, has found early success using a multisensory VR game to help calm kids during their imaging encounter.

Lead author Jeffrey Gold, PhD, and colleagues see promise using this technology in other aspects of radiology and beyond.

Read full article: https://www.radiologybusiness.com/topics/quality/virtual-reality-radiology-reduce-pain-anxiety

First TULSA Procedure Performed at Yale New Haven Hospital

On July 13, the first transurethral localized sonographic ablation (TULSA) procedure was performed at Yale New Haven Hospital.

TULSA is a minimally-invasive procedure, performed with the patient under anesthesia, to treat localized prostate cancer while protecting tissue surrounding the prostate. It uses heat generated by a high intensity ultrasound to kill cancer cells. MRI guidance and MR thermometry are used during the TULSA procedure.

Almost all other ablation technologies require transrectal ultrasound guidance, so TULSA is unique in that it ablates prostate tissue through the urethra.

Multiple studies have also shown this technology to have excellent efficacy in treating lower-grade prostate cancers because of its whole-gland approach, while maintaining a superior risk profile because of the treatment area precision that MRI guidance provides. 

Read more: https://medicine.yale.edu/news-article/first-tulsa-procedure-performed-at-yale-new-haven-hospital/

Removing patients’ misconceptions about radiology

Some patients have little understanding of the role of the radiologist or how it differs from the technologist. 

Belgian imaging providers have developed a novel animated video, explaining radiologists’ work and what to expect during their visit. Testing the intervention on almost 300 patients, researchers made marked progress in boosting patients’ familiarity with the profession.

The content also helped to moderate expectations, reduce anxiety and improve the overall patient experience.

This communication method has proven to be easy to understand, practical, and leads to a better patient waiting experience while decreasing anxiety according to the team.

Read more:  https://www.radiologybusiness.com/topics/quality/patient-misconceptions-radiology-waiting-room