Buying and Selling Used Medical Equipment on the Web

In recent years, selling used and refurbished medical equipment online has become a growth industry. Previously, used equipment was either simply discarded or purchased by major equipment manufacturers as a service to customers, or to encourage them to upgrade or switch

Hospital Liquidations

Over the past few years, a number of factors have combined to reduce the financial viability of hospitals throughout the country. Hospitals in depressed areas have been particularly hard hit: Many patients have lost health care insurance along with their jobs, and with patients less able to afford routine and preventative care—and even medication—they are sicker than ever before upon admission. At the same time, it has become harder to attract medical staff to depressed areas and hospitals have had to raise salaries to entice doctors and nurses to sign on. These factors, combined with pressures to contain

Why PACS Workstations are Essential Tools

What exactly is PACS?

Picture Archiving and Communications Systems, or as they are more commonly known, PACS, are being used in most hospitals and radiology clinics. This digital imaging technology has replaced the old way of capturing x-rays and scans on film and paper, enabling clinical images to be stored electronically and viewed on screen.

PACS work with x-ray and scanning technology such as Computerized Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and ultrasound to make x-rays and scanned images available to view on screens within radiology, and to share with other hospital departments like accident and emergency, neurology and orthopedics.

With PACS, clinical images are instantly and simultaneously available for study at multiple locations within a trust. PACS supports more effective team working between clinicians and therefore aids swifter and more accurate diagnoses and treatment for patients.

In radiology, PACS is combined with a radiology information system, or RIS. Radiologists report on the x-rays and scanned images they can view on PACS, and the subsequent reports they produce are then accessible from the images with which they are associated.

Why do we need PACS?

For the past 100 years, film was the main means for capturing, storing and displaying radiographic images. However, film is a fixed medium with usually only one set of images available.

PACS allows for a near filmless process, with all of the flexibility of digital systems. It also removes the costs associated with hard film processing and releases valuable space previously used for film storage. Most importantly, PACS is helping to transform patients’ experience of the care they receive across the NHS. It does this by enabling a speedier diagnosis and by removing the risk of images being lost or misplaced.

How does PACS improve patient care?

With PACS clinicians can access the right image in the right place at the right time. The technology enables:

• Faster accessibility to medical images for the clinicians who evaluate and report on them. This can lead to the speedier availability of results.
• No lost or misplaced images, which means fewer patients having their consultations or operations postponed or cancelled.
• Fewer unnecessary re-investigations, which in turn reduces the amount of radiation to which patients are exposed.
• Flexible viewing, with the ability to manipulate images on screen, ensuring that patients can be diagnosed more effectively.
• Instant access to historic images, so that new and old images can be compared and the progress of patients’ treatment and condition(s) monitored.
• Better teamwork and collaboration because, with PACS, images can be viewed from multiple terminals and locations within a trust by a range of clinicians. And the vast majority of trusts now have the ability to share images electronically with other trusts.

As a result of all of these improvements, PACS is enabling patients to move on quickly to the next stage in their treatment.

MedWOW features an impressive array of new, used and refurbished PACS, as well as replacement PACS parts from a variety of manufacturers. As the principal international eCommerce platform for all kinds of medical equipment, MedWOW, features a comprehensive searchable catalogue that allows you to filter for make, manufacturer, continent, condition, price range, seller’s business type and communications protocols when shopping for your PACS.

Currently MedWOW features PACS from the following manufacturers:

Agfa, Agilent, AMS, Dicomit Imaging Systems, Dyonics, GE Healthcare, Hewlett Packard, Kodak, Radrix Systems, S&S MedCart, Sectra and Sony.

If you don’t find the specific PACS you are looking for, you can post a free buying request which typically will bring you a number of competitive quotes from MedWOW’s global inventories.

Leasing & Financing Solutions for US and Non-US Medical Equipment Purchasers

As making sure that no matter where in the world they are located, all MedWOW users have good access to medical equipment leasing & financing, the MedWOW medical equipment marketplace decided to associate with a leading US financing company, in order to provide individualized, tailor-made financing solutions. This is an unmatched opportunity to purchase US-produced medical equipment under excellent loan conditions, to creditworthy buyers anywhere in the world. This service is the latest in MedWOW’s commitment to providing turnkey, comprehensive solutions for medical equipment professionals globally.

This new leasing and financing service is powered by an experienced major funding leader in the United States. Exclusive to MedWOW, this new Financing Service Partner conducts business in more than 80 countries, and possesses the capability of carrying out transactions in nearly every country in the world; opening new purchasing possibilities to medical professionals everywhere. With the launch of this new partnership, MedWOW’s Financing Service Partner can now offer MedWOW users the most aggressive, customized rates and terms in the business. All of these favorable medical equipment financing services are available exclusively through MedWOW.

American customers can choose from 2 types of preferable financing services with excellent terms: either Leasing or Letter of Credit. Medical equipment leasing can be a shrewd option to purchasing. This especially can be the case if the equipment is expensive and won't turn a profit for years. Alternatively, you may need to maintain up to date equipment and avoid tying up cash in equipment that can become obsolete in a few years. Leasing can also be a good method of financing when you can't afford the down payment on an expensive instrument that is necessary to your practice. Either way, leasing your medical equipment can be a better alternative than a cash purchase or loan financing.

Medical equipment leasing enables US medical facilities to procure equipment, without having to draw down their current bank credit lines. The Letter of Credit program allows buyers of medical equipment to receive extended payment terms of 60, 90, 180 days and up to 2 or 3 years, depending on the transaction size.

Medical administrators everywhere know that the business of medicine is continually changing. New technology brings better opportunities for medical care, as specialized machines continue to be developed. As a result, medical equipment financing and leasing has become more important than ever.

Customers outside of the US can choose from 2 types of unique medical equipment financing services with excellent terms: either the exclusive U.S. Export-Import Bank Loan Program or Letter of Credit. The U.S. Export-Import Bank Loan Program gives creditworthy international buyers, in both the public and the private sector, an unmatched opportunity to purchase US-produced medical equipment under excellent loan conditions. Loans are available for purchase of both new and used medical equipment manufactured in the US, and all loans are guaranteed by the US government. Letter of Credit allows buyers of medical equipment to receive extended payment terms of 60, 90, 180 days, and up to 2 or 3 years, depending on the transaction size and country of origin for buyer and seller.

How Cone-Beam CT Can Enhance Your Practice

Cone-Beam CT is a fairly new imaging technology that produces 3-dimensional image data. Using a cone-shaped x-ray beam rather than the linear fan beam of conventional CT, a cone-beam CT scanner takes just one revolution around the patient to create multiple views. For example, in a dental setting, cone-beam CT can take images of both jaws in 3.6-6 seconds of actual exposure time. This represents significantly less radiation than one would receive with a full series of digital periapical radiographs, and is comparatively the same as bite-wing radiographs. With imaging software, the data may be reconstructed to provide 3D views that can easily be manipulated to show different angles, varying depths and thicknesses, and be selective for the particular tissues that need to be examined. The dose of radiation needed for a cone-beam CT scan is much lower than for a standard CT.

3D CT scans created from the cone-beam CT allow the surgeon and restorative dentist to best plan and place dental implants. Their uses and superior benefits are present throughout care, beginning with diagnosis to treatment and including post-op examinations. This can include: locating and determining the distance to vital anatomic structures; measuring alveolar bone width and visualizing bone contours; determining if a bone graft or sinus lift is needed; selecting the most suitable implant size and type; optimizing the implant location and angulation; increasing case acceptance; reducing surgery time and more. With the use of guided implant placement based on 3D cone-beam CT scans, all the above benefits are improved to the point that the surgeon can approach each case with the confidence that comes from knowing that the best available image data and technology have been used to guarantee success.

Some of the benefits of Cone Beam CT over regular CT include:

• X-Ray radiation exposure to the patient is up 10 times less than a standard CT scanner.
• Much faster scan time. Scans on a Cone-Beam CT take between 10-40 sec, while on a regular CT scanner, it takes a few minutes.
• Cheaper, as the average price of a Cone-Beam CT scan is up to 50% less than a conventional scan.
• You can already find Cone-Beam CT's throughout the US at various imaging centers and in many dental offices.
• Any dentist can utilize the Cone-Beam CT technology through 3rd party image processing centers that read the CT and electronically convey the data to the treating dentist.

The foremost eCommerce platform for all kinds of medical equipment, including Cone-Beam CT systems and other imaging equipment, MedWOW, has positively established its #1 position in the global imaging marketplace. MedWOW provides good-quality Cone-Beam CT systems in a safe and secure trading environment. When purchasing or selling a Cone-Beam CT, MedWOW can provide the market, the platform and the buyers, as well as a large variety of support services for both buyers and sellers. MedWOW has recently upgraded its medical equipment catalogue with various manufacturers, refurbished equipment and new and used Cone-Beam CT systems for medical and dental practices worldwide.

MedWOW Explains Digital Radiology (DR)

Digital Radiology (DR) Replaces Standard X-Ray
Digital radiology (DR) may represent the top scientific breakthrough in medical imaging over the last ten years. The use of radiographic films in x-ray imaging might become obsolete in a few years, due to the superiority of digital radiology (DR). An appropriate comparison that is commonly understood is the replacement of standard film cameras with digital cameras. Images can be immediately acquired, deleted, modified, and subsequently sent to a network of computers, which is especially important in the medical field.

Benefits of Digital Radiology (DR)
The benefits from digital radiology (DR) are enormous. It can make a radiological clinic or department filmless. The referring physician can view the requested image on a desktop or a personal computer and often file a report just a few minutes after the examination was completed. The images are no longer held in a single location; but can be seen simultaneously by physicians who are miles apart. In addition, the patient can be given the x-ray images on a CD to take to another physician or hospital for consultation.

Advantages of digital radiology (DR) include time efficiency, as a result of being able to do without the standard chemical processing, as well as the ability to digitally transfer and enhance images. Being able to enlarge and highlight images is of paramount importance in x-rays, and digital radiology (DR) gives physicians and technicians better diagnostic tools, as a result. Also, less radiation can be used to produce an image of similar contrast, which is very important, especially in children and adolescents for whom it is important to keep exposure to radiation at a minimum.

MedWOW’s Digital Radiology (DR) Offerings
MedWOW, the multilingual, global medical equipment marketplace, features medical device inventories from dealers all over the world, so locating the specific digital radiography system or add-on you need from a variety of makes, models and manufacturers in a safe and protected environment, is easy and secure. MedWOW is the leading medical equipment portal for all types of medical equipment trade, and with over 12,000 users visiting the site daily; locating your particular digital radiography system or upgrade is a hassle-free experience. MedWOW also provides free Escrow service, so you can be sure you are getting exactly what you pay for.

Some of the digital radiography systems and add-ons currently available from imaging dealers throughout the world include: DIS Digital Radiography Upgrade Adapter #ezDR4000, RF System Digital Radiography Upgrade Adapter Naomi, DRTECH Digital Radiography Upgrade Adapter FLAATZ 330 and many more options.

Incorporating MRI Parallel Imaging Technologies

Advantages of MRI Parallel Imaging

MRI parallel imaging technology uses complex software algorithms to reconstruct the signals from multiple channels in a way that can reduce imaging times or increase image resolution, without the corresponding increase in imaging times associated with standard MRI scanner imaging. Although parallel imaging techniques have only recently been introduced into MRI scanners in hospitals and clinics, they have already achieved wide clinical acceptance in many imaging applications. Their considerable advantages in terms of better spatial and temporal resolution and enhanced image quality, have updated the position of MRI in a wide range of abnormality and disease imaging.

Multi-channel technology and parallel imaging allows for significant improvements in most clinical MRI scanner examinations. There is no significant degradation in performance, compared to non-parallel imaging. Faster scanning could increase the patient throughout, as well as dramatically improve patient comfort during scans.

This technology could potentially contribute to the use of MRI scanning as an alternative to CT scanning and play a significant role in radiation protection strategies, particularly in young patients.
MRI scanning offers superb soft tissue contrast. However, high- resolution scans are often excluded, due to long scan times. Parallel imaging offers much shorter acquisition times, while retaining the high resolution necessary for early lesion and/or tumor detection

Phased Array Coil System

MRI parallel imaging takes advantage of the numerous elements of phased array coil system. Each element of the coil system is associated with a dedicated radio frequency channel (a special single-channel radio receiver) whose output is processed and combined with the outputs of the other channels (signals acquired by the other coil elements). This technology improves the signal–to-noise ratio (the signal quality) as compared to a standard MRI scanner coil system; while covering the same explored body volume.

Multi-Channel Radio Frequency and Parallel Imaging

Multi-channel radio frequency and parallel imaging technologies are hardware and software implementations, respectively aimed at improving the coverage signal resolution and speed of MRI scanner examinations. With multi-channel technology, the MRI scanner signal used to form an image is collected by a collection of separate coil elements. Each element relays signal information along a separate channel to an image reconstruction computer. Such arrays of coil elements can improve imaging coverage and the ratio of signal-to-noise in the image. The number of elements in the array of detectors is an important factor in characterizing a parallel imaging system.

Multi-channel coil and receiving systems and parallel imaging technologies were first implemented in brain examinations. Recent developments in both hardware and software have allowed for broader clinical applications of these technologies, such as in cardiac, lung, abdomen, and limb studies. For example, parallel imaging, in partnership with multi-channel radiofrequency systems allows for better visualization of small lesions and blood vessels that may allow for an earlier diagnosis of cancer and cardiovascular disease. Greater imaging coverage is possible with multi-channel radiofrequency system technology facilitating oncology screening and peripheral angiography. Finally, scan times are considerably reduced using parallel imaging, allowing for tolerable breath holds when scanning patients. The most current MRI scanners at 1.5T and 3T all feature multi-channel radiofrequency system technology and parallel imaging.

Locating Parallel Imaging Upgrades on MedWOW

MedWOW, the global medical equipment marketplace, is a good place to look when you are ready to upgrade your imaging department by adding multi-channel technology and parallel imaging to your MRI system.

MedWOW features imaging inventories from dealers all over the world, so locating the specific MRI parts you need from a variety of makes, models and manufacturers in a safe and protected environment, is easy and secure. MedWOW is the leading medical equipment portal for all types of medical equipment trade, and with over 12,000 users visiting the site daily; locating your particular MRI parallel imaging upgrade is a relaxed experience.

What You Need to Know About Your CT Scanner Gantry

In this continuing informational CT scanner blog series, this time we are discussing the CT scanner gantry. The CT scanner gantry is the doughnut-shaped part of the CT scanner that houses the apparatus necessary to produce and detect x-rays in order to create a CT image. The x-ray tube and detectors are positioned exactly opposite each other and rotate around the CT scanner gantry aperture. Continuous rotation in one direction without cable wrap around is possible due to the use of low-voltage slip rings.

By definition, a CT scanner gantry is a moveable frame that contains the x-ray tube, including: collimators and filters, detectors, data acquisition system, rotational components including slip ring systems, and all associated electronic accessories such as the CT scanner gantry angulation motors and positioning laser lights. The CT scanner gantry is the largest of all of the CT parts. The rotating frame, rotates at a speed of 100 – 200 RPM. A heavy x-ray tube is mounted on it, as well as a banana-shaped detector arch and other associated CT scanner gantry parts. Electric power, preconditioning lines and signal lines are provided by slipping rings. In the newer models, the signals are transmitted by a wireless system. The inclusion of slip ring technology into a CT system scanners allows for continuous scanning without cables getting in the way. A CT scanner gantry can be angled up to 30 degrees in both directions (forwards and backwards). CT scanner gantry angulation allows the operator to line up the part of the patient’s body which needs to be evaluated with the scanning plane, for precise imaging.

In the newer systems, the CT scanner gantry is continuously rotated to acquire important and comprehensive data, as the patient table is smoothly moved through the CT scanner gantry. The resulting route of the tube and detectors, in relation to the patient, forms a helical or spiral path. This powerful concept, called either helical CT or spiral CT, facilitates quick scans of entire regions of interest, in some cases within a few seconds. So significant were improvements in body CT quality and throughput that helical scanning became the standard of care for body CT scanners. This is very important for patients who suffer from claustrophobia.

Hospitals or imaging departments of healthcare facilities understand the importance of maintaining an up-to-date CT scanner gantry, as the technological advances allow great patient comfort, as well as much better imaging for diagnosis and treatment.

MedWOW has an enormous parts department, with a major focus on CT scanner gantries and other imaging equipment. If you need a replacement CT scanner gantry for your CT equipment, if it isn’t found on the MedWOW portal, the MedWOW parts finder team will conduct a thorough international search and find it for you.

There are currently nearly 2,000 CT scanner gantries parts available through the MedWOW marketplace, representing Esaote, GE Healthcare, Ige, Philips, Picker, Shimadzu, Siemens, Toshiba and other manufacturers. MedWOW’s search engines allow you to filter for make, model, price, condition, location and other variables.

The Multiple Values of Diagnostic Ultrasound Scanning

Diagnostic ultrasound is a scan used to demonstrate internal body structures. It works by emitting high-frequency sound waves, directed at the tissue being examined, and recording the reflected sound or in professional terms, echoes to produce an analytic 2-, 3- or 4-dimensional image.

The diagnostic ultrasound scan is non-invasive and some of the standard reasons for ultrasound scanning include investigations of the abdominal and pelvic organs, musculoskeletal and vascular systems and to check fetal development during pregnancy.

The diagnostic ultrasound scan emits high-frequency sound waves, directed at the internal body part being examined. The reflected sounds (echoes) are recorded to generate an image that can be viewed on a monitor. The sound waves are emitted and received from a small, hand-held diagnostic ultrasound part probe. As the high frequency sound cannot be detected by the human ear, it is called ultrasound.

In general, a diagnostic ultrasound scan is a non-invasive procedure. However, some diagnostic ultrasound scans are done with a special probe that is inserted into the vagina (for special obstetric or pelvic examinations), the rectum (for special prostate examinations) or the esophagus (for to examine the heart). In addition, diagnostic ultrasound scanning may be used to monitor and guide invasive procedures, including breast or thyroid biopsy procedures.

There are many uses for diagnostic ultrasound including:

• Abdominal diagnostic ultrasound scan – may be used to investigate abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, abnormal sounds and lumps. Structures that may be examined include the gallbladder, bile ducts, liver, pancreas, spleen, kidneys and large blood vessels. Structures that contain air (such as the stomach and bowels) can’t be examined easily by diagnostic ultrasound, because air prevents the transfer of sound waves produced by the scanner.
• Pelvic scan – may be performed if a woman is suffering pelvic pain or has abnormal periods, fibroids, cysts or other conditions associated with the female reproductive system.
• Pregnancy scan – used to check for fetal abnormalities (including growth abnormalities, Downs Syndrom or diseases such as spina bifida), check the age and position of the fetus, and monitor fetal growth and development. A diagnostic ultrasound scan during pregnancy is now considered routine in most parts of the world.
• Other uses of diagnostic ultrasound scan – musculoskeletal scans (to check regions like shoulder, hip and elbow), breast scans (for example, to further investigate an abnormality picked up by physical examination or mammogram) and a scan of the eye (to check its internal structures). A special type of diagnostic ultrasound scan, called a ‘Doppler ultrasound’, is sometimes used to detect the speed and direction of blood flow in certain regions of the body, including neck arteries and leg veins.

MedWOW, the multilingual global medical equipment platform, offers a a huge selection of thousands of both new and used diagnostic ultrasound scanners for sale from inventories all over the world. MedWOW currently offers diagnostic ultrasound scanners manufactured by Acoustic Imaging, Acuson, Agilent, Aloka, Alpinion, Ardent Sound, ARI, ATL, Biosound Esaote, BK Medical, Bruel & Kjaer, Carewell, Corometrics, Diasonics Vingmed, Dornier MedTech, Edan, EMP, Esaote, Fukuda Denshi, GE Healthcare, Hewlett Packard, Hitachi, Honda, Kontron Medical, Kranzbuehler, Kretz, Lead Medi Tech, Medison, Mindray, Mochida, and Zonare Medical Systems.

Not only that, if you are looking for diagnostic ultrasound parts, MedWOW can find almost any diagnostic ultrasound part in existence as they represent an inventory of almost 10,000 from manufacturers all over the world from 1990-present, so what you need is likely among their comprehensive listings.

If there is a particular diagnostic ultrasound part that you can’t find in MedWOW’s representative inventories, you can post a request or take advantage of any of MedWOW’s location services.

The Beginners Guide to Finding MRI Parts

For an MRI system to work perfectly there must be synergy between the various MRI parts. Very frequently, MRI parts need to be exchanged, and certainly much before the entire system needs replacing. Keeping your imaging department in safe, patient-oriented and nowadays, even competitive shape is not an easy task, but it's important if you hope to offer the kind of services your patients need and expect. You're very much aware of how expensive used MRI parts can be. Yes, even seemingly simple MRI parts can run into thousands of dollars for good quality replacements.

The main functioning MRI parts of an MRI system include: one external magnet, RF (radio frequency) equipment, gradient coils and a computer. Other MRI part mechanisms include: an RF shield, a power supply, NMR probe, display unit, and a refrigeration unit. All of these MRI parts will need upgrading or replacing during the lifetime of the the MRI system, so it is important to do some basic research and know how to go about replacing these MRI parts on short notice, so you don’t cause any down time which can harm the function of your department, at the very least.

Many times, MRI parts of all kinds can be serviced and repaired, but when that isn’t possible, finding a trustworthy source is imperative. Since MRI systems are relatively complex, and quite unlike other imaging systems, it is important to find an imaging equipment expert who can guide you through the process.

A site that features MRI parts specialists from all over the world is MedWOW, which is a global platform for buying and selling medical equipment. In order to meet their goal of providing comprehensive medical equipment services, with a strong emphasis on used imaging parts, MedWOW developed three methods for locating and purchasing good-quality and guaranteed used MRI parts, all of which are available in a multilingual format which translates communications between buyer and seller, so it is possible to get competitive prices on MRI parts and related imaging equipment and services, even if it is on the other side of the world.

MedWOW’s unique Part Finder Service was created in order to best serve its global user base of medical equipment professionals. MedWOW partnered with dozens of the major used imaging parts suppliers in the world. In this way, they are able to supply healthcare professionals with any available used MRI part from any manufacturer, makes and model from anywhere in the world. This means that if you are searching for a specific used MRI part and you can’t find it anywhere, the MedWOW Parts Finder team will take over your search, and probably find it for you. This imaging parts finder service is completely free, so just fill in your request in as much detail as you can, and then you can sit back and relax and wait for quotes for your used imaging part.

Your second option in used MRI parts finders, is to use MedWOW’s all-inclusive search engine, which is built using copious filtering options, so you can search for just about any used imaging part and find it, even if it has changed names or manufacturers over the years.

Finally, the third ingenious choice is to post an MRI part buying request, by filling out a form and giving as much information as possible about the used imaging part that you seek. The portal attracts sellers from all over the world (10,500 visitors a day) so you will likely be sent a few competitive quotes for your selected MRI part to choose from.

Be Safe When Using Diagnostic Ultrasound

Diagnostic ultrasound is a safe and secure method of examining the internal organs, while avoiding the use of radiation. Instead, high-frequency sound waves are generated and the echoes that result from their bouncing off soft tissue structures can be used to measure size, to detect structural abnormalities, to determine whether a lump is solid or fluid-filled or to monitor growth of a fetus during pregnancy.

One of the reasons diagnostic ultrasound is gaining in popular usage as an imaging technology is because it is very safe in comparison with other techniques, such as x-ray imaging. This doesn’t mean, however, that diagnostic ultrasound doesn’t have some hazards if improperly used. The danger of diagnostic ultrasound, if any, seems not so much to be from misuse but from overuse. As is the case with many other things ─ too much of a good thing is not a good idea!

The type of imaging that is utilized in diagnostic ultrasound is used much of the time to try to identify problems or to pinpoint potential problems. Diagnostic ultrasound is very commonly used to determine the sex of unborn babies and the term “diagnostic ultrasound” invokes images of fetal pictures and growing babies. But diagnostic ultrasound systems have many other features, including precision and delicacy when operating on eyes to emulsify cataracts to make way for lens implants. Diagnostic ultrasound is also used to explore and monitor the entire human physical organism. No matter what diagnostic ultrasound is being used for, there is one common rule – the safety of the patient comes first.

Even though diagnostic ultrasound is so universally used, there is still some debate and even controversy about whether it is completely safe. Diagnostic ultrasound studies on laboratory mice have shown some cellular effects, such as slowed cell division and increased cell death, shown to be linked with prolonged usage of diagnostic ultrasound.

A few other diagnostic ultrasound studies have found associations between large amounts of diagnostic ultrasound and decreased birth weight, although the majority of studies have found that there are no negative correlations associated with diagnostic ultrasound and that there are no ill effects from safe and more sensible usage.

In fact, The World Health Organization recognizes diagnostic ultrasound as generally safe and recommends its use. To quote them: “Diagnostic ultrasound is recognized as a safe, effective, and highly flexible imaging modality capable of providing clinically relevant information about most parts of the body in a rapid and cost-effective fashion.”

Some sources are far more confrontational about the entire diagnostic ultrasound issue than others. Many dismiss the claims that diagnostic ultrasound is dangerous as an overreaction with no research to back it up, while others assert that the information generally disclosed in the industry is not 100% truthful and thorough, and that there are indeed significant dangers associated with diagnostic ultrasound. Therefore, it is difficult to ascertain that it is 100% safe and should be used with caution.

A good rule of thumb seems to be that especially when concerning prenatal diagnostic ultrasound, it should only be undertaken when really necessary, and only by well- trained professionals. It has become very popular to use diagnostic ultrasound in order to simply take pictures of the unborn baby or determine whether it is a boy or a girl. This practice, and repeated diagnostic ultrasound when there are no problems that clearly need diagnosis or monitoring, should be discouraged. It is better to be on the safe side with this and any other medical procedure, even if there is only a small amount of doubt about the safety of diagnostic ultrasound.

Obstetric Ultrasound Scanners Explained

Obstetric ultrasound scanning is an ultrasound imaging method designed to be used to augment physical examinations in the course of prenatal care. There are a large variety of uses for obstetric ultrasound, and this procedure has become a routine part of prenatal care for many women, especially women throughout Europe and North America. It has become quite common for parents to request print-outs of the images of their growing infant and the technician frequently prints out pictures for them to see and explains the fetus’s configuration as seen on screen to the parents, during the course of the obstetric ultrasound scan.

In obstetric ultrasound imaging, high-frequency sound waves are bounced off the body to create an accurate image of the inside of the uterus. Very high frequency sound waves of between 3.5 to 7.0 megahertz (3.5 to 7 million cycles per second) are normally used for this purpose. This is achieved by using a transducer which emanates waves and generates an image based on the length of the response time and the changes in frequency. The obstetric ultrasound results created can be either a still or moving image, with advanced technology being implemented to create three-dimensional ultrasound images which provide even more specific details. The obstetric ultrasound image may be acquired by covering the woman’s abdomen in a conductive gel and running the transducer along the belly, or by inserting the transducer into the vaginal canal to get a clearer image, which is known as a transvaginal ultrasound. The resulting image gives a picture of the uterus and its contents, along with adjacent body structures. These measurements outline the foundation in the assessment of gestational age, size and growth in the fetus. A full bladder is often compulsory for the procedure when abdominal scanning is done in the early stages of pregnancy. There may be some discomfort from pressure on the full bladder.

There are a wide variety of uses for obstetric ultrasound. Obstetric ultrasound imaging is customarily used to evaluate a pregnancy. This may include determining how far along the pregnancy is and confirming that the fetus is developing normally. Movements such as fetal heart beat and abnormalities in the fetus can be appraised and measurements can be made accurately based on the images displayed on the monitor. An ultrasound can also be used specifically to check for fetal malformations or problems, including a detached placenta. If a mother comes with pregnancy complications indicating fetal distress, obstetric ultrasound may be used as a diagnostic tool to check on the status of the baby without having to use invasive techniques which could jeopardize the pregnancy.

As there are various obstetric applications, different types of obstetric ultrasound probes are required, depending on which is indicated. If an obstetric ultrasound scanner model has fixed probes, then it may only be suitable for a limited subset of applications. For this reason, it is common for ultrasound systems to have interchangeable probes, and they frequently have more than one probe connection socket for the different applications.

Understanding Diffusion MRI

Diffusion MRI is a well-known and widely accepted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methodology which generates in vivo images of biological tissues weighted with the local microstructural characteristics of water diffusion, providing an effective way of visualizing functional connectivities in the nervous system. This relatively new and powerful imaging technology gives us further tools to study variations and development of normal brain anatomy, and diagnose disruption to the white matter in neurological disease or psychiatric disorder. Diffusion MRI helps us to better understand the structural organization of the brain through an identification of the neural connectivity patterns with the help of Diffusion Tensor Imaging and High Angular Resolution Diffusion Imaging.

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, boosted by established successes in clinical neurodiagnostics and powerful new applications for studying the anatomy of the brain in vivo, has been an important area of research in the past decade. Current clinical applications are based on many different types of contrast, such as contrast in relaxation times for T1- or T2-weighted MR imaging, in time of flight for MR angiography, in blood oxygen level dependency for functional MR imaging, and in diffusion for apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) imaging. Even more highly developed technologies than these are in use today for the study of brain connectivity and neural fiber tract anatomy.

Over the years, increasingly complex data acquisition schemes have been developed, while the theoretical foundations of diffusion MRI have come to be better understood. For the radiologist who wants to use these techniques in clinical practice and research, it is important to understand a few key principles of diffusion MRI, as follows:

A recent advance in MRI known as Diffusion MRI looks at the random motion of water particles in the body. This is particularly interesting when taking images of the brain, because water tends to move more along the directions of the connections inside the brain. These connections in the brain, known as "white matter", are crucial to keeping the brain working correctly. They are the pathways that carry information from one part of the brain to another, and if they are damaged, the brain cannot perform even the most simple tasks. Diffusion MRI is unique in its ability to study these pathways, based on how water flows along them.

There are many diseases that affect the white matter in the brain, and it can be very hard to understand exactly how the disease attacks the white matter, to predict how the disease will develop in a particular person, and to decide what the right treatment is for that person. Fortunately, because diffusion MRI is sensitive to changes in white matter, it is an excellent way of finding out about these diseases. For example, if the disease is breaking down the pathways, water stops moving along them, or leaks out of them, and diffusion MRI pinpoints this for diagnostic purposes.

Urodynamic Measuring Systems

Current economic conditions are affecting manufacturers of all types of medical equipment, including urodynamic measuring equipment. With the economy still on shaky ground and the fact that it is becoming more difficult to obtain bank loans Urologists, Gynecologists and urology clinics that have been considering purchasing new urodynamic equipment are considering other options including used or refurbished urodynamic equipment, or outsourcing to specialized urodynamic clinics.

Urodynamics refers to a group of procedures performed to examine voiding (urinating) disorders. The goal of the diagnosis and treatment of these disorders is to both protect kidney function and to keep the patient comfortable. Any procedure designed to provide information and/or diagnosis about a bladder problem is called a urodynamic test. The specific type of test is dependent on the patients’ symptoms. Urodynamic studies are performed when the patient has one of the following symptoms: frequent urination, incontinence or difficulties in emptying the bladder.

Urodynamic systems are used for the study of bladder and urethral functions using pressure and flow measurements. Urine flow testing is an essential part of urodynamic study, and flow meters are used for uroflowmetry, which is a test that measures the volume of urine released from the body, the speed with which it is released, and how long the release takes.

Urodynamic study usually includes some or all of the following measurements:

• Filling cystometry - This test measures bladder capacity, bladder contractions and urinary leakage.
• Voiding uroflometry - This test measures the strength of the urinary flow, as well as the amount of urine left in the bladder after voiding.
• Urethral pressure study - This test measures the pressure and flow of urine out of the bladder, using a sensor placed in the urethra.
• Video cystourethrography - This test helps to identify structural problems in the bladder or urethra. The bladder is filled with contrast fluid and X-rays are taken as the fluid is voided.
• Electromyogram – This urodynamics test helps measure muscle contractions that control urination.

Urodynamic systems are usually designed to be portable and many are fitted with a cart and a computer monitoring system.