Technology Will Save Our Minds & Bodies

(Medical)

Ashley Archer & Charmaine McIntyre

Presentation Overview

• Medical Technology Definition

• Types of Medical Technology

• Currently Used Medical Technology: 3D Ultrasounds• Pros and Cons

• Newly Released Medical Technology: Microfluid Chip to Diagnose Flu

• Pros and Cons

• Dental Technology• Digital X-Rays• Intra-Oral Cameras• Periodontal Laser

• Pros and Cons

• Medical & Dental Technology Conclusions

Medical Technology

• The purpose of medical technology is to extend and improve life by alleviating pain, injury and handicaps.

• Billions of people rely on medical technology in their homes, at doctors offices, and in hospitals.

• More than 500,000 products are available today, such as wheelchairs, pacemakers, glasses, and bandages.

Types of Medical Technologies

• Currently Used Medical Technology• 3D Ultrasounds

• Newly Released Medical Technology• Microfluidic Chip to Diagnose Flu

• Dental Technology Advancements: Less invasive procedures and better experience for patients and dental professionals• Digital X-Rays• Intra-Oral Camera• Periodontal Laser

Currently Used Medical Technology:3D Ultrasounds

• 3D ultrasound is a medical ultrasound technique,

often used in obstetric ultrasonography (during

pregnancy), providing three dimensional images of

the fetus

• 3D ultrasounds allow one to see the width, height and depth of images in much the same way as 3D movies but no movement is shown

4D Ultrasounds

• 4D fetal ultrasounds are also offered. 4D ultrasounds are similar to 3D scans. 4D allows a 3-dimensional picture in real time, rather than delayed, 4D is similar to a movie compared to a still picture.

• The best time to have a 3D or 4D ultrasound is

when you are between 26 and 30 weeks pregnant.

Before 26 weeks your baby has very little fat under

His/her skin, so the bones of her/his face will show

through the skin

3D Ultrasounds: Pros

Pros

• Provides a detailed image of the baby, more lifelike

• 3D/4D is a keepsake ultrasound

• Can be used to educated women about abortion

3D Ultrasounds: Cons

Cons/Risks

• The clinics that offer these services are not currently regulated or approved by health regulatory bodies in Canada.

• Long-term effects of ultrasound are unknown and ultrasound that are just used for a picture and not for a medical purpose could put both mother and baby at an unnecessary risk

• According to Health Canada, there is "suggestive evidence" that ultrasounds can have a biological effect on the fetus.

3D/4D Ultrasounds

Risks of an ultrasound depends on the following factors:

• Duration of ultrasound exposure

• Intensity of ultrasound waves

• Frequency of ultrasound sessions

How to Reduce Ultrasound Risks

• Provide adequate training to ultrasound technologists

• Safety inspections of the clinic

• Regular inspections and maintenance of the ultrasound machine

• Limit ultrasound sessions to last no longer than 30 minutes

• Limit ultrasound sessions to no more than once a month

• Require proof of prenatal care prior to the 3D ultrasound session

Newly Released Medical Technology:Microfluid Chip to Diagnose Flu

• In 2009, the H1N1 flu spread across 200 countries and killed more than 18,000 people in the world

• During this time, diagnoses often took too long and false negatives were frequently seen

• For these reasons, researchers at US Universities performed a four year study to develop an alternative that would be as accurate as lab-scale diagnostics

Microfluid Chip to Diagnose Flu

• A microfluid chip was developed in early 2012

• A sample is taken and the chip extracts RNA from signature proteins from the influenza virus and converts it into DNA

• The DNA then replicates enough to be detected by the reader

• It has been found that the chip actually outperforms common flu diagnostics in accuracy

Microfluid Chip to Diagnose Flu

• The microchip is currently the size of a standard microscope slide

• It currently costs $10 a chip and results are produced within a few hours

• The research team is continuing to work on improving the chip so it costs $5 a chip and produce results in an hour

• A faster, more affordable test with fewer negatives could help minimize outbreaks and ultimately save lives

Microfluid Chips to Diagnose Flu: Pros and Cons

Pros

• Fast: Results can be seen within hours

• Disposable to reduce risk of cross contamination

• Accurate: outperforms most commonly used flu diagnostics

Cons

• Costly: $10 per chip

• Less environmentally friendly due to increased disposable slides

• Many people with the flu do not actually seek medical care

Dental Technology: Digital X-Rays

• X-Rays are essential for the diagnoses of dental caries and periodontal disease

• Digital x-rays have many more advantages over traditional x-rays, such as:• Less radiation is required for digital x-ray• More eco-friendly, traditional films use toxic chemicals to

develop the film, digital x-rays are scanned and can be reusable

• X-rays can be seen instantaneously on the computer and are easily shared for referrals or insurance purposes

Dental Technology: Intra-Oral Camera

• Intra-oral cameras are used to capture magnified images of specific areas of the teeth.

• This allows a patient to see what is going on in their mouth which can be a great motivational tool for improved self care.

• Images can be stored and used to compare the area of concern in the future.

Dental Technology: Periodontal Laser

• Periodontal laser can help reverse the symptoms of gum disease

• Laser is used to destroy bacteria and pathologic proteins in the pocket of the gums

• This procedure reduces the need of scalpel and stitches use

• Each patient is different but results from laser therapy can be seen after just 1 treatment

Dental Technology: Pros and Cons

Cons• Cost – Going digital is

very expensive

• Comfort – the sensor tends to be thicker making it less tolerable for the patient

• Many dental professionals would need additional training for use of the new products

Pros• Reduced radiation

• Faster to produce image

• No chemicals are used for film development

• Images can be manipulated to enhance the colour, aiding in diagnostics

Medical & Dental Technology Conclusion

• Risks need to be taken into consideration while using technologies, such as the 3D ultrasound. Its important to understand if the benefits outweigh the risks.

• The microfluid chip allows for easier and quicker results

• Dental technologies are useful tools for diagnoses, prevention and patient education

• Overall, health technologies are essential for the public to live a quality life, diagnose and prevent diseases and increase patient comfort

• The technological advancements made today creates an exciting outlook on what the future holds in medical sciences

References

• BabyCenter Canada. (2012, August). What is a 3D ultrasound? Retrieved from http://www.babycenter.ca/x557299/what-is-a-3-d-ultrasound

• CBC News Canada. (2012, June). Health concerns over 'keepsake' ultrasounds. Retrieved from http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2012/06/11/ultrasound-entertainment.html

• C Net. (2012, March). Microfluid chip to quickly diagnose the flu. Retrieved from http://news.cnet.com/8301-27083_3-57406431-247/microfluidic-chip-to-quickly-diagnose- the-flu/

• Dental Angle Online Magazine. (n.d.). Digital xrays: Pros and cons. Retrieved from http://www.dentalangle.com/07.01/LorneLavine.html

• Family and Cosmetic Dentistry. (n.d.). Approved FDA laser gum treatment reverses gum disease. Retrieved from http://www.lasergumdentist.com/

• Royal York Dental. (n.d.). Dental technology. Retrieved from http://www.royalyorkdental.com/dental-technology