Virtual reality helps better understand complex anatomy
Radiology is adopting virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR) technologies. On the patient side, 3D medical imaging from patients is used to educate patients about their disease or procedure.
For radiologists or other specialists, VR is being used to examine complex anatomy in a virtual 3D/4D environment. This includes reviewing congenital heart disease 3D datasets and brain imaging prior to surgical intervention.
More information:
FDA move signals imminent increase in use of virtual and augmented reality devices in radiology
POCUS is rapidly expanding
The use of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has absolutely exploded during the COVID-19 pandemic, further increasing the number of clinicians using this imaging technology. Its utility has been seen by many during the pandemic, with clinicians reluctant to give up a tool that enables immediate “quick look” triage imaging.
These systems are also becoming increasingly sophisticated in terms of image quality and the measurements they can perform. This is partly due to the integration of artificial intelligence and the use of web-based computing power, so not all functions need to reside on the mobile device used to acquire the imagery.
POCUS is likely to continue to increase across all disciplines as medical schools begin to train students to use these devices as part of their patient assessments. Some experts predict that POCUS may replace the stethoscope as the standard triage tool, and it may do so within the next decade.
More information:
POCUS Access: Urban Oasis, Rural Desert
Video: Point-of-care ultrasound systems at ACC 2022
