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Healthcare technology has come a long way in the past few decades, and it will undoubtedly continue to evolve in the years to come. As healthcare facilities research new ways of doing things, especially as many of these institutions are understaffed, technology will play a key role in keeping things moving smoothly. One area that has seen significant improvements in recent years is ultrasound technology. Discover a few of these trends below.

3-D Ultrasounds

A few decades ago, individuals would have thought it impossible to have the 3-D technology that we now have. While 2-D technology is still helpful, 3-D technology has become a critical element of being able to indicate information such as structural heart evaluations, according to Sunil Mankad M.D., FASE, director of transesophageal echocardiography at Mayo Clinic. 3-D ultrasounds give a deeper look into the body, allowing individuals to gain a detailed look similar to what a surgeon would see. These advancements will continue to change the trajectory of healthcare and allow for better imaging.

Point-of-Care Ultrasounds

Contrasting with standard bedside ultrasound machines, point-of-care ultrasounds refer to portable ultrasonography that allows for ultrasounds to be wherever a patient is being treated. The explosion in this technology has allowed for wider use of ultrasounds for those who need it, whether at one’s bedside, in an ambulance, or even in a remote village. Ultimately, this technology can help close some of the health gaps that exist and give more accessible care to those who need it. Additionally, this technology allows for faster and more accurate treatment.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been a rising subject in the past couple of years. With healthcare becoming more reliant on AI, medical professionals have been able to keep procedures moving in a timely manner, decreasing the time spent on specific tasks. AI has already been integrated into the backend of some ultrasound systems, but it will continue to trend in the years to come, especially as some systems have begun using AI to pick out image slices. This will play a large role in simplifying the process and saving clinicians’ time.

These current trends and improvements are proof that healthcare is in need of new technologies in order to provide the best care possible for their patients. Some individuals worry that these technologies will take out the need for the middleman, but the medical staff will always be needed. These advancements are meant to make their jobs easier and provide a better ultrasound experience, ultimately allowing clinicians to spend more time with their patients.