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INNOSC Theranostics and
Pharmacological Sciences Medical imaging technology

early-stage breast cancer, peripheral vascular diseases, the images, enabling difficult operations to be performed
viability of replanted limbs, and skin conditions. Medical smoothly and significantly improving the safety of surgeries.
infrared thermal imaging cameras display the temperature The invention of laser technology in the 1960s was one
distribution of the human body (thermal image) to of the major scientific and technological achievements
indicate changes in the temperature distribution, location, of the 20 century. The high directionality, brightness,
th
and extent. Various inflammations and malignant tumors monochromaticity, coherence, and biological effects of lasers
cause higher temperatures in the affected areas on the heat have been widely used in medicine. Medical lasers are often
map, while embolisms, decreased microcirculation, and used for surgical cutting, tissue cauterization, coagulation
effusions show lower temperatures. Near-infrared thermal and hemostasis, light needle acupoint irradiation, laser
imaging diagnoses diseases based on the difference in blood cell counting, laser microspectroscopy analysis,
thermal radiation between normal and abnormal tissue laser holography diagnosis, and laser Doppler blood flow
areas. By receiving infrared thermal radiation during the velocity measurement. Consequently, “laser medicine” has
metabolism of body cells, it measures the depth, shape, become an important branch of medicine.
and intensity of the thermal radiation source. Based on
the thermal radiation of the whole body, after sorting 3.7. Comparison of the medical imaging technology
and quantifying the corresponding relationship between The comparative analysis of CT, MRI, and endoscopy
the distribution status and each tissue and disease, the highlights the distinct advantages and limitations of each
image reconstruction algorithm is used to obtain the modality in medical imaging. CT imaging, with its high
temperature image and then cross-sectioned. By analyzing spatial resolution and rapid acquisition, is well suited
the relationship between the thermal radiation differences for visualizing bone structures and detecting traumatic
in the body’s cell metabolism and the health status, the injuries, making it invaluable in emergency settings.
location and nature of the body’s lesions can be determined, However, its use is constrained by ionizing radiation
providing a basis for diagnosis. Near-infrared thermography exposure, which poses risks, particularly in sensitive
is non-invasive and can estimate the physiological and populations. In contrast, MRI offers superior soft-tissue
5
molecular processes of intact tissues of the body, providing contrast and multiplanar imaging capabilities, making it
corresponding chemical and physical information. Near- indispensable for evaluating neurological, musculoskeletal,
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infrared thermal imaging can effectively evaluate tumor and cardiovascular conditions without the use of ionizing
markers and can be used clinically for diagnosing tumors, radiation. Nonetheless, MRI is associated with longer
cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, respiratory acquisition times, higher costs, and contraindications in
system diseases, digestive system diseases, and more. It patients with certain metallic implants or claustrophobia.
can detect lesions earlier than other examination methods, Endoscopy provides direct visualization and intervention
making it especially valuable for the differential diagnosis capabilities, enabling real-time examination and tissue
of tumors. sampling for accurate diagnosis and targeted interventions
in gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders. However, its
3.6. Medical endoscopic imaging invasive nature carries inherent risks such as perforation,
A medical endoscope is a diagnostic instrument that is directly bleeding, and infection and may require sedation or
inserted into the inner cavity of human organs to observe anesthesia, leading to patient discomfort and procedural
the surface shape of the inner cavity in real time. The images complexity. Overall, understanding the strengths and
it obtains are realistic and intuitive. There are more types of limitations of CT, MRI, and endoscopy is essential for health-
endoscopes, each designed for specific cavities of the human care professionals to effectively utilize these modalities in
body, such as the esophagoscope, gastroscope, enteroscope, clinical practice, ensuring optimal patient care and outcomes.
colonoscope, choledochoscope, mediastinoscope,
bronchoscope, urethroscope, cystoscope, renal pelvis 4. Safety of the medical imaging technology
endoscope, colposcope, hysteroscope, laparoscope, and When evaluating medical imaging systems, the safety of
arthroscope. Recently, thin-diameter endoscopes with the human body is a critical concern. The damage caused
diameters as small as 0.07 mm have been introduced. An by ionizing radiation to the human body primarily includes
endoscope can be used for multiple purposes, including both direct damage (such as local redness, hair loss, and a
examining coronary arteries. Laser endoscopy and possible increase in the incidence of certain diseases) and
three-dimensional endoscopy are also under development. indirect damage, mainly genetic damage (such as genetic
Laser endoscopy is a new generation of endoscope that mutations and deformities). In general speaking, CT scans
combines diagnostic and treatment functions. Three- account for about 2% of radiological examinations, but the
dimensional endoscopes can provide three-dimensional radiation dose released exceeds the radiological average

Volume 7 Issue 3 (2024) 7 doi: 10.36922/itps.3360