DOTmed Vice-presidente executivo das entrevistas de ASRT em RSNA 2006
por
Robert Garment, Executive Editor | November 28, 2006
Greg Morrison,
executive vice president,
chief knowledge officer
Greg Morrison of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) sat down with DOTmed at RSNA 2006 to give us his assessment of the major trends that will influence the direction of imaging over the next few years.
Morrison's overview is that imaging technology and innovation is speeding up, literally and figuratively. In other words, the faster, better new equipment is being developed and brought to market faster than ever.
The biggest trend right now, according to Morrison, is the 'merging' of CT technology in both the diagnostic and therapeutic stages of healthcare delivery. "CT can find a problem, and CT can help guide the physician, as needed, to produce a successful outcome, and that is what is happening on an increasing basis," Morrison observed.
One of the most important developments in CT is Cardiac CT, also know as CT Angio, (or CTA). Instead of an invasive catheterization, the diagnosis is done with a CT in conjunction with a contract medium. Once the problem is assessed, the treatment is done by traditional catheterization, and a CT scan can be used to help confirm the procedure's success. As 128-slice and eventually 256-slice CTs come on the market, CTA will become much more common. He mentioned that Toshiba already has a 256-slice CT in development.
Morrison is also a strong believer in the future of Molecular Imaging (MI). "What MI will deliver is better detail and finer resolution, down to the cellular, providing the ability to diagnose a disease at its earliest stages of development," Morrison noted. He also observed that MI is not a single technology, but a concept that will be available in all the major modalities -- CT, MRI, Nuclear, and Ultrasound -- each having its own diagnostic advantages in different situations.
Morrison sees the role of the ASRT in helping the radiology and imaging technologists absorb, adapt and adjust to all these changes as more important than ever. "The ASRT plays a unique role as a educational and practical resource for radiologic technologists, and our role will grow as a key supporter for these professionals in the years to come."
