Medical imaging technologies are the creation of visual representations of internal body parts for analysis and application.
Devices in this field can be used for many different purposes. One of them is to visually depict the functions of some organs or tissues. With the help of imaging technologies, structures that are not visible through the skin and bones can be easily seen. In this way, diseases can be diagnosed more easily.
Imaging technologies can also provide an anatomical and physiological background that reveals anomalies. Tissues and organs taken from a person's body are examined for medical reasons, but such procedures are part of pathology rather than imaging. There are many different devices and methods under the name of medical imaging technologies.
Medical imaging technologies are important medical tools used for various purposes. These technologies provide valuable information to healthcare professionals to diagnose diseases, plan treatment, monitor treatment, assess the health status of patients, and for routine health screenings.
When used for diagnostic purposes, medical imaging technologies help to recognize diseases by observing changes in internal organs, tissues, and anatomical structures in detail. Computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-rays, and ultrasound are among the most commonly used technologies for this purpose.
Medical imaging technologies are used in the treatment planning process, before treatments such as radiotherapy or surgery. These images play an important role in determining the patient's anatomical structure and the location of lesions. At this stage, healthcare professionals need an accurate anatomical reference when creating treatment plans.
In the treatment monitoring and evaluation phase, medical imaging technologies are used to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment administered and assess the patient's response. For example, images taken during radiotherapy of a cancer patient are an important tool to assess whether the tumor has shrunk.
Digital mammography is a medical imaging method used to detect abnormalities in the breast and detect breast cancer at an early stage. While traditional mammography is film-based, digital mammography enables the computerized processing of images obtained with digital sensors.
In digital mammography, the patient's breasts are placed in a mammography machine and X-rays are used to take images of the breast from various angles. These images are then converted into digital format and analyzed on a computer screen. Digital mammography is designed to provide a more accurate and faster diagnostic process.
Tomosynthesis, also known as 3D mammography, is a type of digital mammography. This method aims to obtain a more detailed image by creating thin-section images of breast tissue. This system is used to provide clearer and more detailed results, especially in cases where breast tissue is dense.
In tomosynthesis, the patient is prepared for digital mammography in the same way. However, the mammography machine takes cross-sectional images of the breast from different angles. These images are then combined by computer to create a three-dimensional image. This allows doctors to better see and assess small lesions in the breast tissue.
EOS 3D skeletal system imaging is one of the medical imaging technologies and is specifically designed to obtain detailed, three-dimensional images of the skeletal system. This system provides a more precise and detailed analysis using less radiation compared to traditional X-ray imaging methods.
During the application of the EOS system, patients usually stand and pass between two special sensitized plates containing low doses of radiation. These plates pass X-rays through the body at various angles and create a complete 3D model of the skeletal system with multiple images taken simultaneously.
This system is particularly useful for evaluating conditions such as scoliosis, spinal deformities, and joint diseases. It also uses less radiation compared to conventional X-ray imaging methods, making it frequently preferred in children and young patients.
Flash CT is a type of computed tomography (CT) imaging technology and is specifically designed to obtain fast, high-resolution images. This technology aims to acquire a large volume of data in shorter times than conventional CT scans.
Flash CT allows detailed cross-sectional images to be obtained using X-rays that pass through the patient's body. However, this technology is characterized by its ability to acquire images quickly. Flash CT can perform full-body scans in a few heartbeats or in a very short time.
This fast scanning time is particularly advantageous when imaging moving organs (e.g. the heart). High-resolution images can be obtained even during a heartbeat, making it possible to assess problems in the heart vessels more effectively.
During Flash CT, the patient is usually placed on a table and moved at a speed determined by the CT scanner. Meanwhile, the X-ray tube and detector scan the body and obtain a large number of cross-sectional images. This data is then processed by a computer and a detailed 3D model is created. It is widely used, especially in emergency medicine and cardiac assessments. By providing fast and effective imaging, this technology can speed up medical diagnostic processes and provide more reliable results.
Force CT, another advanced computed tomography (CT) imaging technology, is a system that aims to obtain high-resolution and fast cross-sectional images. This technology is designed to provide patients with more image information in shorter periods.
During the application of Force CT, the patient is usually placed on a table and moved at a speed determined by the CT scanner. Meanwhile, the X-ray tube and detector scan the body and acquire a large number of cross-sectional images. This data is then processed by computer to create a detailed 3D model.
Force CT can acquire images faster than conventional CT scans. This fast scan time is particularly advantageous in emergency medicine, trauma cases, or when evaluating moving organs. For example, high-resolution images can be obtained even during heart rate, which is a great advantage for cardiovascular evaluations.
Full Body MRI is a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique used to obtain detailed images of all of a person's body organs and tissues. This medical imaging method aims to provide diagnostic information by examining anatomical details within the body without using radiation.
During a Full Body MRI, the patient usually lies on a table and stands motionless in a large magnetic field. The MRI scanner detects signals emitted from hydrogen atoms spinning inside the body. These signals are processed by a computer and a detailed image is created.
This method allows many different anatomical structures to be evaluated, as it is designed to include all body organs from head to toe. This includes a detailed examination of the brain, spine, lungs, liver, kidneys, heart, intestines, and other internal organs. This allows for cancer screening, neurological assessment, organ evaluation, and cardiovascular screening.
Intraoperative 3 Tesla MRI is a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique with high magnetic field strength that is performed during the surgical procedure. This technique aims to obtain detailed and real-time images inside the patient's body during surgical intervention. It is preferred over conventional MRI by patients with a fear of confined spaces.
This type of intraoperative MRI system includes a special magnetic field, usually located near or inside the surgical room. The surgical team can perform 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging on the patient whenever they need it during surgery. 3 Tesla is a unit that measures magnetic field strength, and a high magnetic field allows for higher resolution and detailed images.
During an intraoperative 3 Tesla MRI, the patient's body is placed on the surgical table while an antenna (RF coil) is placed inside the magnetic field. This antenna detects signals emitted from protons spinning in the magnetic field. These signals are then processed by a computer and detailed images are created in real time. It is especially preferred in operations that require precise and detailed imaging such as neurosurgery, spine surgery, and some tumor surgeries.
MRIdian is a radiotherapy system developed by ViewRay and aims to make the treatment process more precise and effective by integrating magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and radiotherapy. This system is known for its ability to provide real-time imaging and treatment.
During the implementation of MRIdian, it starts with the patient being placed on the treatment table. The system includes an MRI scanner integrated with a linear accelerator (LINAC) that can simultaneously deliver radiotherapy. This structure provides the ability to observe the patient's anatomical structures in real-time during treatment.
Magnetic resonance imaging makes it possible to instantaneously observe the position and change of the tumor and surrounding healthy tissues during treatment. This improves the accuracy of treatment, helping to make radiotherapy more effective on the tumor and reducing the risk of damage to surrounding tissues.
Real-Time Imaging: Instantaneous visualization of patient anatomy during treatment improves accuracy and precision.
Adaptive Radiotherapy: The system is known for its ability to adapt to tumor movements and anatomical changes throughout the treatment process.
Dose Detection and Adjustments: MRIdian allows the dose to be detected during treatment and adjusted as needed, allowing treatment to be personalized.
Patient Comfort: Faster and more accurate treatment processes allow patients to complete treatment in less time and generally provide a more comfortable experience.
PET-CT, a combination of Positron Emission Tomography and Computed Tomography, is a medical imaging method that combines molecular imaging techniques. This method allows simultaneous assessment of metabolic activity and anatomical structures within the body.
PET-CT is administered by injecting a molecule containing a radiotracer (a type of sugar analog, usually called FDG). This radiotracer focuses on metabolically active regions in the body, accumulating especially in areas where cancer cells show greater metabolism. The PET side then acquires images of the areas in the body where this radiotracer accumulates.
The CT side provides cross-sectional anatomical images taken at the same time. In this way, the images obtained with PET-CT are presented as a composite of metabolic activity and anatomical structures. These combined images provide important information for many clinical applications such as cancer detection, staging, evaluation of treatment response, and treatment planning.
4D breast ultrasonography is a technique that improves on traditional ultrasonography and allows a more detailed examination of breast tissue. It is a medical imaging technique used to better identify abnormalities and lesions in breast tissue.
During the procedure, the patient is usually placed on their back and a gel is applied to the breast area. An ultrasound transducer then images the breast tissue using sound waves. 4D breast ultrasonography is a technique used to study changes over time and dynamically observe breast tissue.
In addition to traditional 2D ultrasound images, this method involves recording sound waves moving along an axis. In this way, blood flow, the boundaries of tumors, and structural changes in the breast tissue can be assessed in more detail.
