Medical Imaging Pushing Technological Boundaries

Imaging in healthcare is a strong pillar for diagnosis, prevention, care and treatment. Medical imaging involves professional healthcare staff and devices, for example, radiologists, radiographers (X-ray technologists), sonographers (ultrasound technologists), medical physicists, nurses, and biomedical engineers play a key role in achieving a successful imaging examination through state-of-the-art devices that support a correct patient diagnose.

Carlos Franyutii, Sales and Marketing Manager of Healthcare Solutions of Canon Mexicana says “Technology has changed a great deal throughout the years and its impact has been beneficial for medical practices, digitalization of medical imaging has proved to offer many process advantages.” Imaging diagnose up to date is being shaped by new technological developments such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality, three-dimensional printing and digital twin technology.

Franyutii explained that in order to innovate “Canon Medical Systems focuses on workflows that can lead to a better and more efficient image, which also impacts a doctor’s daily practice as it provides an opportunity for early detection of a possible medical condition or issue.” Franyutii reported that while having state of the art technology, what makes the devices actually useful and attractive is the intuitive interface which include their simple installation, efficient deigns and process. These are not a burden for the medical professionals, but simple and adaptable tools.

In an interview with MBN, Miguel Nieto President of the Latin American Regio of Carestream, another company that leads the  imaging sector, explained how the company is going beyond trends and it is now focusing on innovations of its own, such as “lower degree of customer exposure to radiation, maximum efficiency for the diagnostic providers and images to help accurate diagnosis for the patients.”

Ramón Acevedo, General Manager of GE Healthcare Mexico explained how trends like artificial intelligence are socially useful for radiology and ultrasound “in radiology, there were extremely important advances in artificial intelligence incorporated into the platforms that we commercialize today. In ultrasound, artificial intelligence already implemented in our platforms can give doctors more confidence that our information truly reflects the reality that the patient is living.”

Acevedo highlighted that, while all of these advances are very significant for companies and technology development, the most important things is “land these concepts as final products that can make a difference for patients in the moments that matter.” Similar to these opinions, Nieto from Carestream said, this landing is the biggest challenge of the imaging industry “how to make healthcare available to the entire population? Regardless of the diverse geography and the population’s economic status. Both public and private health programs have fallen short in reaching the most vulnerable communities and areas.”