Sensible Solutions for Refurbished Radiology

Yes, it’s pretty wonderful if your medical facility can afford the latest, greatest medical imaging equipment.  But many healthcare providers have limited budgets, and have learned that oftentimes a refurbished CT scanner or MRI can fill their needs without emptying their pockets.  In addition, in developing countries the high cost of new medical imaging devices are out of the question because of limited funds.

Artificial intelligence (AI) which is the mimicking of human understanding by computers is finally a reality in medicine, more so in imaging equipment application. Combining medical data with AI will change a lot of medical specialists like pathology and radiology. Although there is worry of AI replacing such specialists, in effect, AI is a decision support technology to enhance radiologists’ as well as pathologists’ ability to diagnose correctly. The introduction of electronic medical records (EMR) and centralization of medical data initiated AI into medicine. Its clinical application will include machines for X-ray, CT Scanners, and MRI.

At Atlantis Worldwide, we’re always paying attention to what’s going on in the medical imaging community.  Recent news of note includes the acquisition of Toshiba Medical Systems by Canon, after the deal received regulatory approvals in all of the countries in which both companies operate.  The company was acquired for $6 billion.

It’s should be obvious that advancements in technology have always had the ability to fundamentally change the world of healthcare, however there are some fields like radiology where technological improvements have changed the very nature of the profession.

The holidays are approaching and we may have some extra time to catch up on some medical imaging articles.  Atlantis Worldwide would like to share some of the Medical Imaging Sites that they love to visit.  Relax and enjoy!

Are changes coming that will affect the sale and service of medical equipment and medical imaging equipment like MRI and CT scanners? Unfortunately there is no clear answer right now. What is known is that this October the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will hold a public workshop focused on the ““Refurbishing, Reconditioning, Rebuilding, Remarketing, Remanufacturing, and Servicing of Medical Devices Performed by Third-Party Entities and Original Equipment Manufacturers.”

As healthcare facilities continue to try to find ways to cut costs and maintain high quality service, more and more are purchasing used and refurbished medical imaging devices.  And more and more of them are looking at used and refurbished ultrasound equipment, versus MRI and nuclear imaging devices. That’s no surprise, since ultrasound is used in more than 900 million exams each year, including uses in obstetrics, cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, neurology, gynecology and more. Ultrasound technology is also less expensive, as a rule, and doesn’t require ionizing radiation.  It’s also not invasive, which makes it more popular.

In hospitals and clinics around the world Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is relied on to provide an unmatched level of image quality. The MRI is used to view and diagnose complex injuries and diseases within the human body and plays a vital role in treatment of patients the world over. Its importance to the future of medicine is paramount, and while its usefulness is without question, the MRI scanner does have its drawbacks.

It’s been all over the news: Toshiba has admitted it overstated profit by more than ¥150 billion in the past seven years and is now looking for buyers in order to stem its downward spiral. While wanting to keep its mainstay memory-chip and nuclear power businesses, Toshiba plans to dump its medical imaging division and lay off nearly 7,000 workers.

Since the advent of modern medicine doctors, researchers, engineers and technicians have worked diligently to create better, less intrusive ways to diagnose and heal people. As technology continues to advance exponentially, our ability to refine and redesign the
equipment we use in hospitals and clinics around the world grows.