Technology That Makes Doctor's Lives Easier

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Decades of technological advances have vastly improved the quality of medical care while allowing doctors to become more time efficient and skilled at their profession. Therefore, it’s vital that healthcare providers have access to the most recent, advanced knowledge and skills to treat disease or illness. Ongoing medical research constantly results in the evolution of new technologies, with promising new treatments that are developed on an ongoing basis.

Vaccines

Fortunately, doctors have witnessed widespread development in the progress of vaccines over time. Vaccines strengthen the immune system by helping it recognize harmful microorganisms that are introduced to the body. These protective medicines have assisted in preventing a wide spectrum of disease and in turn, drastically reduced the number of office visits and hospital admissions as a result.  One obvious example is that of the annual flu vaccine which serves to decrease the number of those who suffer serious flu related complications, including pneumonia and in some cases, even death.

A breakthrough vaccine that has proven to save lives is the meningococcal injection that prevents bacterial meningitis in both children and young adults. Prior to the development of this medicine, bacterial meningitis presented physicians with many more cases. In severe instances, those exhibiting this illness died soon after onset despite medical intervention due to rapid progression of symptoms.

Gardasil is one of the most recently developed vaccines used to prevent certain forms of the Human Papillomavirus, which is one of the most common transmitted diseases today. It has assisted in preventing cervical cancer in females, among other benefits. Though it is recommended that females receive the vaccine early in their life, prior to sexual activity, Gardasil is still effective in preventing other types of HPV an infected person has not contracted.

Machines

Innovative technology has also increased the use of skilled machines available to treat patients more effectively. One vital instrument for doctors in stabilizing cardiac arrest and irregular heart rhythms in patients is the automated external defibrillator, or AED. Without such assistance, irreversible brain damage can occur in minutes, eventually leading to death. AEDs have become standard medical equipment in many public facilities. The number of lives saved through the use of this device has had a profound effect on the medical field.

Doctors use external defibrillators by attaching electrodes to the patient. These pads examine the electrical output (signals) from the heart. A button on the machine delivers the necessary shock to the heart, which is followed by either CPR or another shock depending on the response. Approved AEDs in the United States use an electronic voice that literally instructs the user through the process from start to finish.

In addition, important medical imaging techniques have quickly evolved in recent years to allow for precise diagnostic and surgical procedures throughout the medical field. Ultrasound uses sonography to generate internal views of the body to confirm or refute possible conditions, as well as serve as a guide for various procedures. Radiological scans allow for fast and accurate diagnostic results. These include technology such as PET scans, or Positron Emission Tomography, which allows for detection of abnormal molecular cell activity. CAT scans, or Computerized Axial Tomography, offer doctors cross sectional or even three dimensional views of the body.  Another modern tool physicians have at their disposal is the MRI, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, which provide the best soft tissue and organ images available. Such methods are crucial in allowing an inner look at how disease may have affected organs in the body.

Technology has also made visual observation easier for doctors through the use of endoscopy. An endoscope may be used to examine interiors of hollow organs in the body. The instrument consists of a tube with a lens system that is inserted into the organ, along with a light for clearer viewing. Endoscopes can be used to examine the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, a fetus during pregnancy and more.

Surgeries

Arthroscopic surgery utilizes an endoscope to examine and repair internal joints. The major advantage is that a smaller incision can be made, which promotes quicker healing and improves the surgical outcome due to less stress and scarring to the target area involved.  Torn cartilage is the primary focus of arthroscopic procedures. Any damaged joint is a candidate for this type of procedure, allowing doctors an invaluable tool to restore human movement.

Laparoscopic surgery is another recent development that allows for smaller, less invasive incisions during gastrointestinal, gynecological and urological operations. This procedure allows for decreased pain and a speedier recovery. A device called a laparoscope is used, which is either a telescopic lens with an attached camera or a digital device that does away with the need for a lens. Although the procedure may take longer than more invasive surgery, the hospital stay is in turn shortened.

A modern method that defies traditional incision is laser surgery, where a laser rather than scalpel is used to cut tissue. This type of surgery is commonly used in operations involving the eye, such as in correcting near-sightedness and far-sightedness. Technology involving a laser scalpel can vaporize soft tissue with high amounts of water. This type of surgery also allows for a reduced recovery time for patients.

Additionally, the gamma knife is a radiological surgical tool that allows for amazing precision during surgery. No knife is used and therefore, no blood is involved. A high dose of radiation is delivered to the patient who wears a secured helmet to protect healthy tissue. The gamma knife works with extreme accuracy for intricate surgeries on brain tumors as surrounding tissue is minimally affected. In turn, fewer complications and risks are reported.

Perhaps the most dramatic technological medical advancement is in the area of robotic and computerized assisted surgery. This type of surgery has advantages including increased precision, less pain and a faster healing process. The technology has evolved to assist in a wide host of surgeries, including neurologic, cardiac and orthopedic procedures to name a few. One of the most well-known robots in this field is known as the da Vinci Surgical System, which includes a surgeon’s console, a four-armed robotic cart the surgeon works with and a three dimensional visual system.

With all the astounding medical advances made possible through the modern technology of our day, doctors can save many more lives and treat illness in a highly efficient manner. The evolution of the Internet works hand in hand with these developments to allow doctors worldwide to consult regarding their patients and receive expert professional advice almost immediately. Only time will tell what the next major medical breakthrough will be.