Imaging & Diagnostics

Imaging and diagnostics are two of the most important pillars of modern medicine. Imaging procedures enable doctors to gain deep insights into the human body in order to detect diseases at an early stage and make precise diagnoses. These are either radiation-based (X-ray, computed tomography (CT), radiography, scintigraphy, functional imaging) or radiation-free (magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound). Radioactive contrast media are sometimes used in some radiation-based procedures.

These technologies have enabled considerable progress in radiology. They make a significant contribution to finding disease foci and planning interventions. As they are non-invasive, they make a significant contribution to improving the health, well-being and quality of life of patients.

Thanks to the continuous development and use of new methods, imaging has become indispensable. Technologies such as MRI and CT enable detailed sectional imaging of tissues and organs in ever higher resolution. This means that even the smallest findings, such as tumors in the early stages, can be detected. In neurology, the imaging of the brain and its functions with a magnetic field is becoming better and better resolved. Angiology and cardiology, on the other hand, benefit from the real-time imaging of fine blood vessels or of the blood circulation and heart.

The future of imaging will be enhanced by the integration of 3D and holographic technologies that enable the free, three-dimensional viewing of data in space. Virtual reality (VR) applications will provide doctors with an immersive diagnostic experience, more comprehensive patient information and better planning of interventions. Finally, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning will automate and simplify the analysis of images.

Incidentally, some of the imaging and diagnostic procedures commonly used today have their origins in space medicine.

There are a variety of imaging techniques, each of which offers its own specific advantages and areas of application.

X-rays are tried and tested for visualizing bones and teeth. They are often used to detect fractures and other injuries. They also provide a widely available tool for lung diagnostics to detect inflammation, fluid accumulation or tumors.

CT and MRI provide detailed cross-sectional imaging of the body and are used to diagnose a variety of diseases, including tumors and neurological disorders. They are suitable for all soft tissue types that cannot be visualized with X-ray devices.

Ultrasound is often used during pregnancy to monitor the development of the fetus. It can also be used to examine the organs in the abdomen. Doppler ultrasound offers the possibility of showing the blood flow in vessels and thus detecting clots and inflammation, which can have consequences such as heart attacks or stroke. Ultrasound has the advantage that it is more easily available, for example in many doctors' offices. Portable ultrasound emitters that can be used with a smartphone have also been available for several years.

Even MRI devices can now be mobile. Find out more in the interview on the use of mobile MRI in pediatrics. Mobile imaging in the OR can be supported by robotics, as our video about a self-propelled C-arm shows.

PET and SPECT are advanced molecular imaging techniques that visualize metabolic processes in the body and play an important role in the diagnosis of cancer and other diseases.

Mammography is a specialized radiation-based method for the early detection of breast cancer. It has proven to be extremely effective in comprehensive screening.

Functional imaging techniques such as fMRI enable the visualization of brain activity and are crucial for the diagnosis and investigation of neurological diseases and psychiatric disorders.

Microwaves can now also be used for indirect imaging of implants.

The product categories at MEDICA also provide an overview of the range of products in the field of imaging:

• Magnetic resonance tomographs (MRT)
• X-ray equipment and accessories
• Ultrasound diagnostic devices

Procedures such as 3D imaging and VR applications offer doctors new ways of visualizing complex anatomical structures. This enables them to make more precise diagnoses. In surgery, they open up the possibility of planning operations better and thus avoiding unnecessary damage to tissue. The telemedical use of such image data means that operations can even be planned jointly by specialists from a distance.

In the case of radiotherapy, high-quality image data improves the quality and accuracy of treatment. You can read more about this in the interview "MRiPT technology: prototype for new approaches in cancer treatment".

The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning enables automated analysis of images and faster interpretation of findings. These technologies can help to improve the efficiency and accuracy of diagnosis and optimize treatment outcomes for patients. They also support radiology professionals with the monotonous examination of images, which otherwise quickly leads to fatigue and errors. Corresponding AI assistance systems are now more accurate than humans in some cases, but will not be able to replace them in the future.

Molecular imaging is an emerging field that offers the possibility of detecting and treating diseases at the cellular and molecular level. New developments in this field could revolutionize the early detection of diseases such as cancer and enable personalized therapies. These applications also make a major contribution to research into metabolism and disease mechanisms at cellular level.

Telemedicine is also playing an increasingly important role in the investigation of diseases, as it enables doctors to obtain further opinions from colleagues, regardless of location.

An exciting development for gastrointestinal diagnostics is capsule endoscopy, in which a capsule is swallowed as an imaging device and provides images from inside the digestive tract.

Despite the many advantages and opportunities offered by imaging in diagnostic technologies, we also face challenges and ethical questions. Integrating new technologies into existing diagnostic processes and systems can be complex and requires careful planning and implementation. For hospitals, it can sometimes be very difficult and expensive to integrate new technologies into ongoing operations – be it a new software solution or an entire MRI.

As with any new digital application, data protection and patient safety remain of paramount importance. Sensitive information must remain protected in the best possible way, even if it is used telemedically.

And finally, both patients and professionals still have reservations about the use of AI. All stakeholders must therefore be equally involved in its implementation. It must also be made clear time and again: In medicine, AI will only ever assist, not replace medical decisions.

In order to successfully implement modern imaging and diagnostic procedures, interdisciplinary cooperation between medicine, engineering, computer science and other specialist areas is crucial. By sharing knowledge and expertise, we can continue to push the boundaries of imaging technologies and develop solutions to complex medical challenges.

The future still offers many opportunities, including the further development of personalized medicine and precision medicine approaches via molecular imaging, for example for oncology, genetic and rare diseases or neurology.