Your convenient use of MRI units in your medical facility is vital as it ensures that you can offer the appropriate treatment and recommendations to your patients. However, you may take these diagnostic imaging systems for granted. Fortunately for you, we have just the information you need to ensure you know a thing or two about MRI technology and its development!
This article will discuss two relevant milestones in MRIs that are worth your attention. Take this as a starting point to seriously consider your place in the medical practice to not only provide timely services but also to teach others around you about the importance of different medical technology innovations!
Milestone #1: Different MRI Systems since the 20th Century
Most medicine historians note that MRI technology started in 1977 through Oxford Instruments, even if they weren’t the sole inventor of the modern-day diagnostic imaging system. Their discoveries, however, gave way to different scientists and investors to develop MRI systems that can be used for particular patients. Consider the following different systems:
- Upright MRI System: Most traditional hospitals have MRI units that require their patients to lie down, affecting the treatments’ flexibility. Fortunately, there are upright MRIs that can accommodate patients who prefer to stand up or sit down during their diagnosis. They are designed for individuals who are claustrophobic and have mental disorders associated with trauma for confined spaces. The upright MRI system can also scan overweight patients more effectively.
- Open MRI System: Just like the upright counterpart, the Open-type MRI unit is idealized for patients who prefer to see from all slides when they get scanned, especially those with claustrophobia. That’s because there’s no tunnel-like closing, allowing for more seamless diagnostic testing.
- Extremity MRI System: The traditional MRI scanners often hold back some doctors when handling extreme medical cases since they require a full-body, lying-down setup. Fortunately, extremity-based MRI units are now available. They are built for scanning specific body parts, allowing for more direct treatments and ease in diagnosis.
Milestone #2: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robot Technology to Bolster MRI Technology
Many medical technology developers consider the effectiveness of AI technology and robots to conduct diagnosis, mainly due to reducing human interaction among doctors and their patients due to COVID-19. Additionally, even if professionals run most MRI scanners, there is still room for human error. For instance, there can be times when medical staff who use the MRI fail to check the coils before usage, resulting in costly repairs and accidents.
These realizations cause many inventors and big-time companies to assess the utilization of fully digitized MRI capabilities. However, many of these developments are still in the prototype stages, meaning only time will tell if it can be brought into mass production.
Conclusion
As we continue to progress to greater heights in medical technology, it’s good to appreciate how far we’ve come through MRI technology. Now, you have a better idea of its relevance as you remember all the previously mentioned milestones. All you have to do is continue to educate yourself and others around you to anticipate a better future for healthcare!
Are you looking for high-quality MRI parts and other diagnostic imaging solutions for your medical facility? We at DirectMed Parts and Services can provide you with the best! We are your dedicated team of MRI technicians and staff committed to ensuring you can effectively use your unit. Request an MRI parts quotation from us today!