Medical Technology
How did Technology Help to Cure Breast Cancer?
Aug 30th
For many years, doctors and scientists have been looking for a cure for cancer and especially for breast cancer. A vaccine has eluded doctors for many years and they continue on their quest for finding one. Doctors are trying out new ways to improve the already existing forms of diagnoses and treatment. It has been of major concern that, the methods of diagnoses in use today have been very invasive and that they can only be used when the disease begins to show signs and symptoms. The methods of diagnoses have also been known to increase chances of developing the disease they are supposed to be diagnosing. This is because, repeated exposure to radiation could result in cancer.
Some of the methods in use today include; ultrasound, MRI, digital mammogram, duct lavage, image guided breast biopsy and PET scan. Most of these tests rely on ultra sounds, although some do not, such as MRI and PET scan. Sometimes these methods can be used together in order to give more conclusive results for breast cancer detection. For example, an ultrasound can be used together with a needle biopsy. Modern ultrasound is able to detect whether a lump is cancerous or malignant. These results can further be supported and confirmed by use of a needle biopsy.
Most of these methods are mainly advances on the old forms of diagnosis. They have been modified in order to give clearer results and also to produce results faster. For example, the old type of mammograms used x-ray film but the new types of mammograms use computer codes that can be read using a computer. It is also possible to make changes on these codes before finally printing them on film. This new method helps in giving very clear images that prove very helpful to the doctor when making interpretations of the film. The images can also be saved on the computer for comparison purposes and copies can be printed out when the need arises.
Some methods are also in use for detection of cancerous cells in the denser parts of the breast where normal methods may be unable to detect them. This method is also a type of mammogram which uses x-rays. The method focuses on areas that have growth of blood cells which could be an indicator of cancer. The process is very fast and takes less than ten minutes. However, scientists are still at work and many of the procedures are still under trial. It is hoped that in a few years, more progress will have been made and it will become possible to diagnose breast cancer earlier and help save more lives.
How Robot Surgeon Help the People
Aug 24th
Have you ever heard using surgical robot in doing heart surgery? It’s amazing to know that we have this kind of technology which can help us anytime we want it. We’ve come a long way from the days when the first open heart surgery operation took place in terms of cardiac rehabilitation programs. There may be a number of significant reasons for this progress including progress in the area of the surgery itself. One significant improvement is that of using robotic heart surgery and the impact that has on the recovery of the patient. The da Vinci surgical robot is being used quite regularly by skilled surgeons in the Chicago area.
The procedures are becoming more comfortable for the heart patients and thus an easier recovery. By using robotic-assisted surgical technique and allowing minimally invasive and extremely exacting surgical techniques, the patient has fewer traumas to their body; there is less pain and scarring which leads to faster healing and a reduction in the risk of infection. There is also the possibility of less blood loss during the surgery so the body is stronger coming out of the operation.
The use of robots in cardiothoracic surgery throughout the country may be on the increase but out of all of the hospitals, the Chicago area has perhaps some of the most prominent hospitals on the leading edge technology. The reasons for this commitment can be attributed to a number of reasons, but the number one reason is the patients. The focus on taking care of patients and on the path to healing is a driving force that allows this attention to detail. Being on the leading edge is not always the easy route to take.
Many places are limited by the cost, many are limited by ego or the fear to be the leader and some take the bull by the horns and step up to the task of figuring it out and getting it right. This type of leadership is common at Riverside and it bespeaks of the risks allowed and encouraged to help patients get in and get out with the least amount of trauma and injury. That is what doctors are and should be about. Do no harm. It is a long road to get people to understand that technology is a great assistant. For those who have been on the long road to being a trained surgeon it is hard to imagine wanting to take the time and effort to learn a new skill and become proficient at using a new tool.
Robotic Heart Surgery only proves that we progress in order to survive.