Standard MRI scans are able to produce some pretty highly-detailed images, however, the process of taking an MRI can take up to 45 minutes, which probably is a little too long if you're suffering from something like a heart attack.
A new scanning technology from GE, however, is aimed at being able to cut down on scanning time by as much as 30 minutes, offering almost real-time footage of organs. Not only that, but the scanner can capture that footage in seven dimensions.
"Our ultimate goal is to help improve patient care and drive superior clinical, financial and operational outcomes alongside healthcare providers," said Jeff Immelt, CEO of GE, in a statement. "As the digital industrial leader, we are betting big on the GE Health Cloud. By connecting clinicians with the insights needed, when and where they need them, clinicians can take action to improve healthcare outcomes and delivery around the globe."
The scanner is called ViosWorks, and it basically uses a new software algorithm to capture seven different dimensions. Those include three special dimensions, one time and three directional velocities. All that information can be captured in between 10 and 15 minutes, which is only a third of what standard MRIs need.
Using this tech, doctors will be able to find damaged tissue, which, if undetected, would complicate future heart attacks. Not only that, but the technology could also be used to build detailed 3D models of organs before surgery, helping surgeons figure out the details of surgery before they perform it.
The technology should also help when it comes to misdiagnoses. According to surveys, as many as 35 percent of patient cases are misdiagnosed, with this amount partly being due to a lack of data and images.
While GE has shown off the new device, it isn't commercially available just yet.
Via: Engadget
