Neurosurgery

Neurosurgery is the surgical specialty that addresses disorders and diseases of the brain and nervous system, as well as the arteries of the neck. Neurosurgeons diagnose and treat brain tumors, stroke, brain aneurysms, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, spinal disorders and movement disorders. Some neurosurgeons specialize in specific areas of the nervous system such as the brain, spinal cord or peripheral nervous system, or specific areas such as pediatric neurology, seizure disorders, neuro-oncology or neurovascular disorders.

Advanced imaging techniques such as CT, MRI, PET and magnetoencephalography are essential tools for microsurgery that substantially enhance accuracy and result in better outcomes. Minimally invasive techniques such as endoscopic endonasal surgery and ventricular endoscopy reduce collateral damage and speed recovery. More recently, surgeons have begun to use functional MRI intraoperative as well.

Neurosurgical treatments for stroke entail removing blood clots caused by accidents or hypertension to restore blood flow to a blocked artery in the brain. When a patient can be treated immediately following the onset of symptoms, a neurosurgeon will generally administer tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), a medication that dissolves blood clots non-surgically. For patients who are not eligible for treatment with tPA, neurosurgeons may opt to remove or break up the clot via image-guided catheterization processes.

Preventative neurosurgical procedures for strokes include carotid endarterectomy, in which fatty plaques are removed from the carotid arteries, enabling blood flow to the brain. In carotid stenting, tiny wire mesh tubes are placed in the carotid artery to hold the artery open and ensure adequate blood supply.

Arteriovenous malformations (AVM), potentially life-threatening connections between arteries and veins in the brain, may be treated using procedures that block blood flow through embolization or radiosurgery. Depending on their location, brain tumors may be surgically removed or treated via radiosurgery as well.

Ventriculo-peritoneal and ventriculo-atrial shunting are surgical treatments for hydrocephaly, a condition in which cerebrospinal fluid fails to drain properly from the brain, putting pressure on delicate structures.

Seizures that cannot be controlled with medication may be treated through surgical removal of the locus of the abnormal electrical activity within the brain. A recently developed procedure entails insertion of a vagal nerve stimulator in the patient’s neck to control seizures.

Other conditions treated by neurosurgeons include spinal tumors, spinal disc herniation, traumatic injury of peripheral nerves and spinal stenosis.

Electron Beam Scanners

Electron beam tomography (EBT) is a specialized form of computed tomography that is designed to obtain better images of heart structures than can be obtained using standard CT technology. In order to capture clear, accurate images of the constantly-moving heart, a CT’s X-ray source point must move extremely rapidly around the patient. In conventional CTs, X-ray tubes spin mechanically around the patient, but simply cannot move quickly enough to prevent blurring of cardiac images.

Siemens AG medical equipment

Siemens Healthcare is a division of Siemens AG, a multinational corporation that is based in Germany and active in areas including energy, industry and infrastructure as well as in healthcare. Siemens Healthcare has been a leader in the field for over 130 years.

Cardio MRI Developments

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a technology for imaging the heart and its blood vessels that is based on magnet fields and radio frequency. As radio waves pass through a magnetic field generated by the electromagnet within the MRI, they align the protons within the nuclei of hydrogen atoms and generate signals that are detected by the coils that surround the patient.

PET and PET/CT

Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging technology creates 3D images of functional processes in patients’ bodies. The imaging is facilitated by positron-emitting radionuclide or tracers which are injected into the patient before they undergo the scan. The tracers combine with biologically active molecules such as glucose to indicate areas of high metabolic activity.

New Medical Uses for Flat Panel Digital X-Ray Technology

Digital flat panel x-ray detectors are an excellent example of how an established technology can enter into a new market. This is apparent in their use in medical imaging, where flat panel digital x-ray technology continues to show great promise in diagnostic and treatment capabilities.

Keeping this in mind, medical imaging has become the focus for flat panel digital applications and solutions, replacing traditional film radiography in hospitals and clinics as it improves efficiency, accuracy and productivity. For example, hospital technicians can position a patient, take an image and review it immediately. The technology takes only minutes to process information that with older technologies took hours or even days, delaying important and even life-saving treatments.