Previous methods of monitoring the digestive system have involved invasive and uncomfortable devices that explore the long, winding passages of our digestive tract. The invention of the swallowable sensor – a wireless capsule the size of a large vitamin pill that monitors the digestive system as it passes through the digestive tract – has significantly changed methods of diagnosis. Now clinicians can easily identify disorders in the digestive system through the information on acidity and pressure levels that a receiver worn by the patient collects.
(^The swallowable sensor is the same size and shape as a large pill and would generally be ingested in the same manner)
As well, recent discoveries have made it possible for tiny chips to mimic the functions of the human circulatory system down to the irregular beats of the heart. This makes it possible for scientists to monitor the endothelial cells lining the inner walls of blood vessels which, as a result of the impacts of blood flow differences in speeds and rhythms, are partly responsible for many cardiovascular diseases. Tiny pins move up and down to plunge fluid through the system of channels and valves that are drilled into the chip. A software program regulates the flow of the fluid through the channels to imitate the beating of the heart. Blood flow can also be altered to represent that of an athlete or a couch potato. Consequently, scientists have gained a much broader knowledge of the mechanical effects of blood flow and the role that certain cells play in cardiovascular disease.
Similarly, Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT) scans have made diagnosis and treatment of many disorders convenient, accurate and painless. Two-dimensional x-ray images are compiled to display cross-sectional diagrams of the body’s internal systems. If necessary, these 2-D images can also be assembled to form a detailed 3-dimensional view of the entire body. CAT scans create an accurate guide for treatment and placement of instruments. Since the invention of the CAT scan, doctors have been able to easily diagnose many internal diseases such as cancer, blood clots, fractures, cysts and infections. Today, CAT scans are commonly used in hospitals to aid in the analysis and cure of many bodily disorders.
(^A 3-dimensional CAT scan image of the head)
Among all of these major leaps in technological discovery are a number of Canadian contributions. In 1840, a Canadian discovery led to the development of anaesthetics which rendered surgery painless. As a result, doctors had increased flexibility in conducting surgical operations and diagnoses on patients. Later on, Joseph Lister went further to prove that the rate of recovery of patients was increased drastically with the disinfection of wounds. Evidently, Canadians have collectively chipped in quite a bit to our current healthcare methods!
As technology continues to progress, the improved understanding of our internal systems will only continue to aid in the recovery from and elimination of bodily disorders that plague our world today!Commented on:
Inggrid Wibowo's Four for you, technology; you go, technology!
Connie Tang's Bombs and Robots, Perfectly safe technologies
Sources:
"Circulatory System on a Chip Lets Scientists Mimic Heartbeat." PhysOrg.com - Science News, Technology, Physics, Nanotechnology, Space Science, Earth Science, Medicine. Web. 05 May 2011.
"CT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography) Symptoms, Causes, Treatment - Why Are CT Scans Performed on MedicineNet." Web. 05 May 2011.
The Canadian Encyclopedia. Web. 05 May 2011.
