Modern technologies in medicine: Diagnosis and treatment of diseases

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Modern technologies in medicine: Diagnosis and treatment of diseases

I. Visualization in diagnosis:

1.1. Magnetic resonance tomography (MRI):

MRI is one of the most powerful tools for modern medical visualization, which allows you to obtain detailed images of internal organs and tissues without using ionizing radiation. The method is based on the use of a strong magnetic field and radio waves.

  • The principle of work: Hydrogen atoms in the body under the influence of a magnetic field are built in a certain way. Radio waves aimed at this area temporarily change their orientation. When the radio waves are disconnected, the atoms return to the initial state, radiating radio signals that are recorded and converted into images. Different types of tissues contain different amounts of water and react differently to a magnetic field, which allows you to get contrasting images.
  • Application: MRI is widely used to diagnose diseases of the brain, spine, joints, abdominal organs and pelvis, as well as heart and blood vessels. It allows you to identify tumors, inflammatory processes, injuries, degenerative changes and other pathologies.
  • Advantages: High resolution, lack of ionizing radiation, the possibility of obtaining images in various planes, excellent visualization of soft tissues.
  • Flaws: The relatively high cost, the duration of the study, restrictions for patients with metal implants and pacemakers, claustrophobia.
  • New developments:
    • 3T MR: The increased magnetic field strength (3 Tesla) allows you to obtain more clear and detailed images, reducing the time of research.
    • Functional MRI (FMRT): It is used to study the activity of the brain, allowing you to determine areas responsible for various functions.
    • MRI with contrasting amplification: The introduction of a contrast medium (for example, gadolinia) can improve visualization of blood vessels and inflammatory processes.
    • MRI-compatible surgery: Allows surgical interventions under the control of MRI in real time.
  • Clinical examples:
    • Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis: MRI allows you to identify foci of demyelization in the brain and spinal cord, which is a key sign of the disease.
    • Diagnosis of brain tumors: MRI allows you to determine the size, location and structure of the tumor, as well as evaluate its effect on the surrounding tissues.
    • Diagnosis of damage to ligaments and cartilage knee joints: MRI is a gold standard in the diagnosis of these damage, allowing you to determine the need for surgical intervention.

1.2. Computed tomography (CT):

CT uses x -ray radiation to obtain transverse images of the body.

  • The principle of work: The X -ray pipe rotates around the patient, radiating x -rays. Detectors located opposite the tubes record the amount of radiation passing through the body. The computer processes the received data and creates a series of transverse images (sections).
  • Application: CT is used to diagnose diseases of the chest, abdominal cavity, small pelvis, as well as bones and blood vessels. It allows you to identify tumors, inflammatory processes, injuries, hemorrhages and other pathologies.
  • Advantages: The speed of research, high availability, good visualization of bone structures, lower cost compared to MRI.
  • Flaws: The use of ionizing radiation, a lower resolution of soft tissues compared to MRI, possible allergic reactions to a contrast agent.
  • New developments:
    • Multispiral CT (MSCT): The use of several rows of detectors allows you to get thinner sections and reduce research time.
    • CT with a double source of radiation: Two X -ray sources, located at an angle to each other, can improve the quality of the images and reduce the radiation load.
    • KT Angiography: The introduction of a contrast medium allows you to visualize blood vessels and identify aneurysms, stenosis and other vascular pathologies.
    • Low -dosa CT: Protocols with a reduced radiation dose are used to screening lung cancer and other diseases.
  • Clinical examples:
    • Diagnosis of pneumonia: CT allows you to identify foci of inflammation in the lungs, as well as evaluate their prevalence and severity.
    • Diagnosis of bone fractures: CT allows you to determine the type and location of the fracture, as well as evaluate the condition of the surrounding fabrics.
    • Diagnosis of pulmonary artery thromboembolism (FEL): CT angiography is a gold standard in the diagnosis of pulmonary films, allowing you to detect blood clots in the pulmonary arteries.

1.3. Ultrasound examination (ultrasound):

Ultrasound uses sound waves of high frequency to obtain images of internal organs and tissues.

  • The principle of work: The ultrasonic sensor emits sound waves that penetrate the body. Some of these waves are reflected from the boundaries between different fabrics. The sensor records the reflected waves and converts them into images.
  • Application: Ultrasound is widely used to diagnose diseases of the abdominal cavity, pelvis, thyroid gland, mammary glands, as well as to assess the condition of the fetus during pregnancy. It allows you to identify tumors, inflammatory processes, cysts, stones and other pathologies.
  • Advantages: The lack of ionizing radiation, non -invasiveness, low cost, portable.
  • Flaws: Limited visualization of organs located deep in the body, the dependence of the quality of the image on the experience of the operator, the inability to visualize bone structures.
  • New developments:
    • 3D and 4D UZI: They allow you to get volumetric images of organs and tissues, as well as observe their movement in real time.
    • Doppler ultrasound: Used to evaluate blood flow in the vessels.
    • Ultrasound with contrast amplification: The introduction of a contrast agent can improve the visualization of tumors and inflammatory processes.
    • Elastography: It is used to assess tissue elasticity, which can help in the diagnosis of liver and breast tumors.
  • Clinical examples:
    • Diagnosis of liver and gall bladder diseases: ultrasound allows you to detect hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver tumors, as well as stones in the gall bladder.
    • Diagnosis of thyroid diseases: ultrasound allows you to detect the thyroid nodes and determine their structure.
    • Assessment of the condition of the fetus during pregnancy: Ultrasound allows you to determine the gender of the child, evaluate its size and development, as well as identify possible pathologies.

1.4. Positron emission tomography (PET):

PET uses radioactive isotopes to obtain images of metabolic activity of tissues.

  • The principle of work: The patient is introduced by a small amount of radioactive isotope, which accumulates in tissues with increased metabolic activity (for example, in tumor cells). The isotope emits positrons that annihilate with electrons, forming two gamous quanta, which are recorded by detectors. The computer processes the data obtained and creates images showing the distribution of the isotope in the body.
  • Application: PET is widely used to diagnose cancer, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. It allows you to identify tumors in the early stages, determine their prevalence and evaluate their sensitivity to chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
  • Advantages: High sensitivity, the ability to detect tumors in the early stages, assessment of the metabolic activity of tissues.
  • Flaws: Using ionizing radiation, relatively high cost, limited availability, low resolution.
  • New developments:
    • PET/CT: The combination of PET and CT allows you to receive information about both the metabolic activity of tissues and their anatomical structure.
    • PET/MRI: The combination of PET and MRI allows you to receive information about the metabolic activity of tissues and their structure with high resolution, while avoiding radiation load.
    • New radiopharmaceuticals: The development of new radiopharmaceuticals allows you to more accurately visualize various types of tumors and other diseases.
  • Clinical examples:
    • Diagnosis of lung cancer: PET/CT allows you to detect a metastatic lesion of lymph nodes and other organs, which helps to determine the stage of the disease and choose the optimal treatment tactics.
    • Diagnosis of lymphoma: PET/CT allows you to evaluate the effectiveness of chemotherapy and determine the need for further treatment.
    • Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease: PET allows you to reveal a decrease in metabolic activity in certain areas of the brain, which is one of the signs of the disease.

II. Molecular diagnostics:

2.1. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR):

PCR is a method of amplification (multiple increase) of a certain fragment of DNA.

  • The principle of work: PCR uses the DNA polymerase enzyme to copy DNA. In the process of PCR, DNA heats up to divide the double spiral into two separate chains. Then the primers join these chains – short DNA fragments, which are complemented by the sections surrounding the desired fragment. DNA-polymerase uses primers to synthesize new DNA chains complementary. This process is repeated repeatedly, as a result of which the number of targeted DNA fragment exponentially increases.
  • Application: PCR is widely used to diagnose infectious diseases, genetic diseases and oncological diseases. It allows you to identify pathogens of infections, determine the presence of mutations in genes and identify tumor cells.
  • Advantages: High sensitivity and specificity, the ability to identify even a small amount of target DNA.
  • Flaws: The possibility of false positive results due to contamination, the need to use specialized equipment and qualified personnel.
  • New developments:
    • Real-Time PCR (KPCR): Allows you to track the process of Amplification of DNA in real time, which allows you to quote the amount of target DNA quantitatively.
    • Multiplex PCR: Allows you to simultaneously amplified several different DNA fragments in one reaction.
    • Digital PCR: Allows you to accurately calculate the number of DNA molecules in the sample.
  • Clinical examples:
    • Covid-19 diagnostics: PCR is the gold standard in the Covid-19 diagnosis, allowing you to identify the SARS-COV-2 virus RNA in samples from the nasopharynx.
    • Diagnosis of genetic diseases: PCR allows you to detect mutations in genes responsible for various genetic diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, phenylketonuria and Huntington disease.
    • Determination of the viral load of HIV: PCR allows you to quote the amount of HIV virus in the patient’s blood, which allows you to control the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy.

2.2. New generation sequencing (NGS):

NGS is a technology that allows simultaneously securing millions of DNA fragments.

  • The principle of work: The DNA sample is fragmented, and adapters are added to fragments – short DNA sequences that allow you to attach fragments to a hard surface. Then DNA fragments are amplified on the surface, and each fragment is sequenced separately. The computer processes the data obtained and collects a complete DNA sequence.
  • Application: NGS is widely used to diagnose genetic diseases, oncological diseases and infectious diseases. It allows you to identify mutations in genes, identify pathogens of infections and determine the profile of genes expression.
  • Advantages: High speed and throughput, the possibility of sequencing entire genomes and exomes, identifying new mutations.
  • Flaws: The relatively high cost, the need to use specialized equipment and qualified personnel, a large amount of data that requires bioinformatical processing.
  • New developments:
    • Targetic sequencing: Sequencing of only certain sections of the genome, which reduces the cost and time of research.
    • Sectiments of single cells: Sectiments of DNA and RNA of individual cells, which allows you to study the heterogeneity of cell populations.
    • Liquid biopsy: DNA sequencing isolated from blood samples, which allows you to identify tumor cells and mutations in tumors.
  • Clinical examples:
    • Diagnosis of hereditary oncological syndromes: NGS allows you to identify mutations in the genes of BRCA1, BRCA2 and other genes responsible for the development of breast cancer and ovaries.
    • Determination of the molecular tumor profile: NGS allows you to identify mutations in genes that can be targets for targeted therapy.
    • Diagnosis of rare genetic diseases: NGS allows you to detect mutations in genes that have not been previously associated with the disease.

2.3. Proteomics:

Proteomy is the study of proteins in cells and tissues.

  • The principle of work: A sample of proteins is divided using electrophoresis or liquid chromatography. Then the proteins are identified using mass spectrometry. The mass spectrometer measures the mass and charge of protein ions, which allows you to determine its amino acid sequence.
  • Application: Proteomy is used to diagnose diseases, develop new drugs and personalized medicine. It allows you to identify biomarkers of diseases, determine targets for drugs and develop diagnostic tests.
  • Advantages: The possibility of studying proteins, which are the main functional molecules in cells, the identification of new biomarkers of diseases.
  • Flaws: The complexity and complexity of research, the need to use expensive equipment and qualified personnel, a large amount of data that requires bioinformatical processing.
  • New developments:
    • High -performance proteomics: Automated methods to analyze a large number of protein samples.
    • Proteomic of single cells: Analysis of proteins in individual cells, which allows you to study the heterogeneity of cell populations.
    • Clinical proteomics: Development of diagnostic tests based on protein analysis.
  • Clinical examples:
    • Identification of prostate cancer biomarkers: Proteomy allows you to detect proteins that are expressed in the tumor cells of the prostate gland and can be used to diagnose and predict the disease.
    • The development of new drugs for Alzheimer’s disease: Proteomy allows you to detect proteins that participate in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease and can be targets for drugs.
    • Personalized medicine: Proteomy can be used to develop individual treatment plans for patients with various diseases.

III. Robotized surgery:

3.1. System da Vinci:

The DA Vinci system is the most common system of robotic surgery.

  • The principle of work: The surgeon controls robotic manipulators using a console. The console provides a three -dimensional image of the operating field and allows the surgeon to accurately control the movements of the tools. Robotic manipulators have seven degrees of freedom, which allows them to perform complex movements that are impossible with ordinary laparoscopic surgery.
  • Application: The DA Vinci system is used to perform various surgical operations, including operations on the prostate gland, kidneys, uterus, intestines and heart.
  • Advantages: Improved visualization of the operating field, increased accuracy of movements, less blood loss, reduction of hospitalization time, faster recovery after surgery.
  • Flaws: The high cost of equipment and staff training, the need to use specialized tools, the lack of tactile feedback.
  • New developments:
    • Social -port robotic surgery: Operations are performed through one small incision in the abdominal wall, which allows to reduce the trauma of the operation and improve the cosmetic effect.
    • Microbots: The development of microbotes that can be introduced into the body through the blood vessels and used to perform minimally invasive operations.
    • Artificial intelligence: The use of artificial intelligence to automate some stages of surgical operation.
  • Clinical examples:
    • Robotized prostatectomy: Removing the prostate gland using the DA Vinci system allows you to maintain erectile function and urination in men with prostate cancer.
    • Robotized hysterectomy: removal of the uterus using the DA Vinci system allows you to reduce blood loss and hospitalization time in women with uterine fibroids or uterine cancer.
    • Robotized cardiac surgery: performing heart operations using the DA Vinci system reduces the trauma of the operation and improve treatment results.

IV. Gene therapy:

4.1. Generation vectors:

Gene therapy is a method of treating diseases by introducing genes into the patient’s cells. Various vectors are used to deliver genes to cells, such as viral and non -viral vectors.

  • Viral vectors: Viral vectors are the most effective vectors for the delivery of genes to cells. They have high transfectional efficiency and can cause genes to a wide range of cells. However, viral vectors can cause an immune reaction and have a risk of gene integration into the cell of the cell, which can lead to cancer.
  • Nevirus vectors: Nevirus vectors are safer than viral vectors, but they have a lower transfectional efficiency. Nevirus vectors include liposomes, plasmids and electrophy.
  • New developments:
    • AAV (adenoassed viruses): AAV are safe and effective viral vectors that are used to treat various genetic diseases.
    • CRISPR/CAS9: CRISPR/CAS9 is a genome editing system that allows you to accurately make changes to the cell DNA. CRISPR/CAS9 can be used to treat genetic diseases, cancer and infectious diseases.
    • CAR-T Therapy: CAR-T Therapy is a method of treating cancer in which the patient T-lymphocytes are modified so that they can recognize and destroy tumor cells.
  • Clinical examples:
    • Treatment of spinal muscle atrophy (SMA): Gene therapy using the AAV vector allows you to deliver the SMN1 gene to patients with SM, which leads to an improvement in the motor function and increasing life expectancy.
    • Lukemia treatment: Car-T Therapy is used to treat leukemia in children and adults.
    • Treatment of hereditary blindness: Gene therapy is used to treat hereditary blindness caused by mutations in the RPE65 gene.

V. Artificial intelligence in medicine:

5.1. Diagnosis of diseases:

Artificial intelligence (AI) is used to analyze medical images, patients and laboratory tests for the diagnosis of diseases.

  • Analysis of medical images: AI can be used to analyze x -rays, CT, MRI and other medical images to detect tumors, fractures, hemorrhages and other pathologies.
  • Analysis of patients of patients: AI can be used to analyze the data of patients, such as the medical history, test results and genetic data, to diagnose diseases and predict the risk of their development.
  • Analysis of laboratory research results: AI can be used to analyze the results of laboratory tests, such as blood and urine tests, to detect diseases and monitor the effectiveness of treatment.
  • New developments:
    • Deep training (Deep Learning): Deep training is a method of machine learning, which allows AI to study on large amounts of data and identify complex patterns.
    • Natural Language Processing processing: Processing a natural language allows AI to understand and analyze the text, which can be used to analyze medical records and scientific publications.
    • Personalized medicine: AI can be used to develop individual treatment plans for patients with various diseases.
  • Clinical examples:
    • Diagnosis of lung cancer: AI is used to analyze x -rays and CT lungs to detect tumors in the early stages.
    • Diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy: AI is used to analyze photographs of the retina to identify signs of diabetic retinopathy.
    • Prediction of the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases: AI is used to analyze patients data to predict the risk of developing myocardial infarction, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases.

VI. Telemedicine:

6.1. Remote consulting and monitoring:

Telemedicine is the provision of medical care at a distance using information technology.

  • Remote counseling: Telemedicine allows patients to receive doctors consultations by phone, video or email.
  • Remote monitoring: Telemedicine allows doctors to monitor the health status of patients at a distance using various devices, such as pulsometers, tonometers and glucometers.
  • Advantages: Improving access to medical care, reducing healthcare costs, increasing convenience for patients.
  • Flaws: Restrictions on a physical examination, the need to use technologies, confidentiality problems.
  • New developments:
    • Virtual assistants: Virtual assistants can be used to provide health information, appointment with a doctor and monitor the health status of patients.
    • Wearable devices: Wearable devices, such as smart hours and fitness trackers, can be used to monitor the health status of patients and provide information to doctors.
    • Internet of Things (Internet of Things): The Internet of things allows you to connect medical devices to the Internet, which allows you to collect data on the state of health of patients and transmit them to doctors.
  • Clinical examples:
    • Management of chronic diseases: telemedicine is used to manage chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and heart failure.
    • Postoperative care: telemedicine is used to monitor the health status of patients after surgery and providing them with the necessary assistance.
    • The provision of medical care in remote areas: telemedicine is used to provide medical care in remote areas where there is no access to doctors.

VII. 3D printing in medicine:

7.1. Production of implants and prostheses:

3D printing is used for the manufacture of individual implants and prostheses, which exactly correspond to the anatomy of the patient.

  • Production of implants: 3D printing is used for the manufacture of implants of bones, joints and other organs.
  • Processing prostheses: 3D printing is used to make prostheses of arms, legs and other parts of the body.
  • Advantages: Individualization, accuracy, speed of manufacture.
  • Flaws: Restrictions on materials, the high cost of equipment, the need for qualified personnel.
  • New developments:
    • Biopeting: Biopeting is a process of creating three -dimensional biological structures, such as organs and tissues, using cells and biomaterials.
    • Dosage forms: 3D printing is used to create dosage forms with individual dosage and composition.
    • Surgical models: The 3D printing is used to create surgical models that help surgeons plan complex operations.
  • Clinical examples:
    • Skull bones: 3D printing is used to create individual implants to replace damaged skull bones.
    • Processing of limb prostheses: 3D printing is used for the manufacture of hands and legs prostheses, which exactly correspond to the patient’s anatomy and allow him to return to active life.
    • Creating surgical heart models: 3D printing is used to create surgical heart models that help surgeons plan complex heart surgery.

VIII. Nanotechnology in medicine:

8.1. Nanoparticles for drug delivery and diagnostics:

Nanotechnologies are used to develop new methods of drug delivery and diagnosis of diseases.

  • Nanoparticles for drug delivery: Nanoparticles are used to deliver drugs directly to tumor cells or other affected tissues. This allows you to increase the effectiveness of treatment and reduce side effects.
  • Nanoparticles for diagnosis: Nanoparticles are used to create new diagnostic tests that allow you to detect diseases in the early stages.
  • Advantages: Target drug delivery, high sensitivity of diagnosis.
  • Flaws: Toxicity, complexity of production, high cost.
  • New developments:
    • Nanorobots: Nanorobots are microscopic robots that can be introduced into the patient’s body to perform various tasks, such as drug delivery, destroying tumor cells and restoring damaged tissues.
    • Nanosensors: Nanosensors are devices that can measure various parameters in the patient’s body, such as glucose levels, pH and drug concentration.
    • Nanomedicine: Nano -drugs are a field of medicine that uses nanotechnologies to treat and diagnose diseases.
  • Clinical examples:
    • Delivery of cancer drugs: nanoparticles are used to deliver chemotherapeutic drugs directly to tumor cells, which allows you to increase the effectiveness of treatment and reduce side effects.
    • Diagnosis of cancer: Nanoparticles are used to create diagnostic tests that allow you to identify tumor cells in the early stages.
    • Treatment of Alzheimer’s disease: Nanoparticles are used to deliver drugs to the brain to treat Alzheimer’s disease.

This article provides a detailed overview of modern technologies in medicine, focusing on diagnostics and treatment. It covers a wide range of topics, from imaging techniques to gene therapy and nanotechnology. Each section includes a description of the technology, its principles of operation, applications, advantages, disadvantages, and recent developments. Clinical examples are also provided to illustrate the use of these technologies in practice. The content is designed to be informative and engaging, while also being optimized for SEO. It provides comprehensive information on key advancements that are shaping the future of healthcare.

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