Influence of Physics in Sonography
During the second half of the 20th century, the field of medical imaging has evolved rapidly with advances in ultrasound and sonography. The contribution of physics, especially in technologies such as nuclear magnetic resonance, X-rays, particle accelerators, Ultrasound, and radioisotope tagging, have revolutionized medical techniques used in the imaging the human body and treating diseases. Ultrasound medical imaging also known as sonography is an example of an imaging tool that applies high-frequency sound waves in developing the images of the body structures. A probe and ultrasound gel is placed on the skin to capture the real-time images of the body part being examined. The purpose of this paper is to enrich our understanding of the contribution of physics in the development of medical imaging technology.
Medical physicists have contributed to the use of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) in medical imaging. This technique utilizes light released from the plasma generated from the interaction of matter with powerful laser beams. The spectroscopic analysis of the light emitted displays useful information about the structure and underlying physical processes in plasma. LIBS have been applied extensively in the study of human tissue samples. The analysis of human clinical specimens such as teeth, liver tissues, bones, and other tissue samples makes use of this technique. The technique is simple and is capable of diagnosing tumorous cells and tissues. LIBS also reduce the chances of standard errors and contamination.
Another contribution of physics in medical imaging is in the field of X-ray lasers and computerized tomography. This technique relies on the principle that different parts of the body do not equally absorbed X-rays. It is therefore hard to distinguish the shadows of typical structures from those shadows indicating diseases. This technique was improved by the invention of computerized tomography (CT). X-ray (CT) imaging produces a detailed multidimensional perspective of the internal organs of the body. It allows the detection and diagnosis of diseases.
The advances in Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)) has had a considerable impact on medical imaging and research. This technique uses light to capture three dimensional ( 3-D) images within a micrometer resolution of optically scattering biological tissues. This imaging technique employs light sources from super-luminescent diodes, super-continuum lasers, and ultra-short pulsed lasers. From the coherence properties of laser light, OCT imaging can give 3-D images with high resolution of bio-medical tissues.
Medical physics has led to the creation and application of Nano technology in Nano-medical imaging. Nano-imaging also is known as molecular imaging covers advanced optical imaging and spectroscopy. Nanoimaging technology has mostly improved the efficacy of in-vivo diagnostics. The tissues are first imaged using target-specific Nanostructures. These targeting Nano-structures are then used together with a pharmacological agent for therapy. Recent developments utilize nanoparticles as tracers. Fluorescent Nano tracers can target a body tissue then fluoresce for imaging purposes. This technique offers a way of monitoring the results of treatment therapy using sequential imaging.
In conclusion, the impact of physics on medical imaging has led to the invention, improvements and direct effects of these techniques on medical diagnosis and treatment. These techniques have simplified the imaging of internal organs and the diagnosis of medical conditions. The progress and research being made in the field of medical physics will be able to revolutionize future medicine and open new horizons in the field of medical imaging and diagnostics for the benefit of human health.