What is Cardiac Ultrasound and How is it Used?

A cardiac ultrasound is a useful tool to evaluate the structure and function of the heart and associated vessels. Cardiac ultrasound provides an overview about heart pumping adequacy, structure of the heart, size of the heart cavities, proper functioning of the heart valves and structural defects of the heart. Additionally, it is possible to image blood circulation in the heart and it also allows diagnosing of homodynamic or circulatory heart disorders.

Also known as an echocardiogram, or echo, the cardiac ultrasound is a noninvasive, diagnostic test that uses high-frequency sound waves to provide an image of the heart's movement, valves, and chambers. A cardiac ultrasound is essentially the same as a pregnancy ultrasound, except instead of viewing a baby, the heart is examined.

There are several different types of cardiac ultrasound echocardiograms, the most common ones for diagnosing heart disease are:

• M-mode - gives a one-dimensional view of the heart as if a line were drawn through it
• 2-dimensional (2-D) or 3-D - show the length and width of the structures in the heart
• Doppler - measures blood flow through the heart and blood vessels.

There are many reasons that a physician may request that a patient have a cardiac ultrasound. Physicians use it to evaluate the heart’s performance as well as to look for irregularities in the structures of the heart, including the heart chambers and valves. An echo may sometimes also be used to look for the cause of a murmur, to check the size of the heart chambers, to check for fluid around the heart, or to inspect the pumping capability of the heart if a patient has shortness of breath or has complained of certain symptoms during any type of exertion.

To perform the test, the cardiologist or sonographer uses a special type of cardicac ultrasound machine and probe to perform an ultrasound of the heart. This is usually done with the probe on the chest, known as a Trans-Thoracic Echocardiogram or TTE.

Occasionally it is essential to get the probe even closer to the heart and this is achieved by a Trans-Oesophageal Echocardiogram or “TOE” and in this case, the probe has to be swallowed and heavy sedation or a general anesthetic is often necessary to make this type of cardiac ultrasound endurable and the patient as comfortable as possible.

MedWOW, the international and multilingual medical equipment marketplace, features an impressive collection of new and used cardiac ultrasound equipment, as well as thousands of cardiac ultrasound parts and accessories from imaging inventories all over the world. MedWOW also offers a large selection of support services, including escrow, professional purchasing services, leasing and financing directory and other services for those seeking to purchase cardiac ultrasound equipment safely and easily – MedWOW!

Medical Imaging Techniques: Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a type of nuclear medicine imaging technique. Nuclear medicine is a branch of medical imaging that uses small amounts of radioactive material to diagnose or treat a variety of diseases, including many types of heart disease, cancers and other irregularities within the human body.

These imaging scans use radioactive materials called radiopharmaceuticals or radiotracers. Depending on the type of nuclear medicine exam you are undergoing, the radiotracer is either injected into a vein, swallowed or inhaled as a gas and eventually accumulates in the organ or area of your body being examined, where it gives off energy in the form of gamma rays. This energy is detected by a device called a gamma camera, a positron emission tomography (PET) scanner and/or a probe. This medical machinery works together with a computer to measure the amount of radiotracer absorbed by your body and to produce special pictures offering details on both the structure and function of organs and tissues.

Manufacturers are now making single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) and positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) units that are able to perform both imaging studies at the same time.

A positron emission tomography (PET) scan measures important body functions, such as: blood flow, oxygen use, and sugar (glucose) metabolism, to help doctors evaluate how well organs and tissues are functioning.

Currently, many PET scans are performed on instruments that are combined PET and CT scanners. The combined PET/CT scans provide images that identify the location of atypical metabolic activity within the body. The combined scans have been shown to provide more accurate diagnoses than the two types of scans performed separately.

MedWOW is a comprehensive medical equipment portal, and as over 13,000 medical equipment professionals use the marketplace on a daily basis, there is brisk trade in all makes of Positron emission tomography (PET), mobile Positron emission tomography (PET) and combined PET/CT equipment. MedWOW users come from all over the world, so there is a good chance you will find exactly what you are looking for and at a competitive price. The MedWOW online portal is multilingual (9 languages) and offers for sale through its pioneering online search, PET systems from: Siemens, Philips, GE Healthcare and Hitachi, as well as a large assortment of PET parts. If you don’t find exactly what you are looking for on MedWOW, you can post a free buying request, and as thousands of international sellers enter the site every day, it is likely you will locate the precise model of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) you are looking for.

The Benefits of Computed Radiography (CR)

Computed Radiography (CR), is a method of digitally capturing x-ray images for reading using computers and laser technology. Images are captured on imaging plates that offer flexible positioning because you can insert the imaging plates into any existing wall or table bucky, or wherever you currently use a film plate. When the image has been captured, the imaging plates are then inserted into the computed radiography (CR) reader, the image is read and stored electronically, and the imaging plate is erased and made available for the next usage. The stored computed radiography (CR) image is then available for viewing or distribution through a DICOM viewer or PACS.

Computed radiography (CR) technology uses a reusable phosphor imaging plate, which is scanned by a laser scanner after being exposed to X-ray. This technology is very similar to film in that the images need to be scanned (instead of developed like film) in order to retrieve the x-ray data. However, phosphor computed radiography (CR) plates can be erased and used over and over again to produce extremely high-definition images.

The main benefit of computed radiography (CR) systems over DR imaging systems is that the imaging plates themselves are extremely flat and flexible so they can fit into tight gaps, behind paneling and even wrapped around a target object. Computed radiography (CR) imaging plates are available in a range of different sizes at relatively low cost, so you can purchase several formats to cover a large number of different tasks.

The advantage of computed radiography (CR) systems over traditional x-ray film is that the digital image film can be used again and again so there are no regular consumable costs. X-ray images are much higher resolution and can be digitally enhanced to produce clear defined images. Images can also be stored digitally and will not fade over time. No chemicals or darkroom are needed.

Summary of the key benefits of computed radiography (CR)

• Very high resolution forensic level imaging
• Perfect for revealing complex electronics and circuitry
• Extremely thin, flat, flexible imaging plates
• Reuse image plates 1000+ times
• Enhance and store images digitally
• Range of image plate sizes up to 90 cm long
• Mains/vehicle or battery powered image plate processor
• Auto image plate erase (user selection)
• Fast deployment at target area
• No chemicals
• No carousel or clips required in the imaging process
• Complete system in a single transit case
• Image plate processor can be used from inside transit case for all weather operation

The top marketplace for medical equipment, including computed radiography (CR) systems and other imaging equipment, MedWOW, has firmly established its place in the international market. MedWOW provides good-quality computed radiography (CR) image systems in a safe and secure trading environment. When purchasing or selling a computed radiography (CR), MedWOW has the market, the platform and the buyers. MedWOW has recently upgraded its medical equipment catalogue with various manufacturers, refurbished equipment and new and used computed radiography (CR) systems.
MedWOW represents a variety of makes and model leaders in computed radiography (CR) such as: Carestream Health, Fuji Medical Systems, Agfa, Air Techniques, CoRE labs, CR Medical, Fuji, Kodak, Konica Minolta, Orex and Radlink. These offerings include single and multi-plate systems to fit your volume and need.

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.