WHY DO WE BELIEVE VR BIOMEDICAL IMAGE IMPROVEMENT IS A GAME CHANGER IN HEALTHCARE?

Biomedical imaging is a game changer in healthcare, transforming diagnosis, treatment, and patient care with innovative technologies. Non-invasive imaging techniques, such as CT and MRI scans, allow for the early detection of conditions like cancer and heart disease. For example, early breast cancer detection through mammography has reduced mortality rates by 20-30% in women aged 50-69. These imaging technologies enable more accurate diagnoses, facilitating timely interventions and improving patient outcomes.

A key benefit of biomedical imaging is its ability to enable personalized treatment. Advanced imaging methods, like PET scans and functional MRI (fMRI), provide critical insights into how diseases respond to therapies. This allows for real-time adjustments to treatment plans, increasing the likelihood of successful outcomes. Imaging also plays a central role in minimally invasive surgeries, such as laparoscopic and robot-assisted procedures, reducing recovery times, minimizing risks, and improving precision.

In addition to personalized treatment, biomedical imaging aids in monitoring disease progression. Regular imaging in chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease can reduce hospitalization rates by 30-40%. It also helps track how well treatments are working, such as assessing tumour shrinkage in cancer patients, allowing for dynamic adjustments to care.

The rise of virtual reality (VR) imaging is also transforming the field, providing immersive 3D reconstructions of patient anatomy. VR allows surgeons to explore detailed, interactive models of organs or tumours before performing procedures, enhancing precision and reducing errors. This technology is already being integrated into surgical planning, improving decision-making and patient outcomes. VR imaging is also being used in medical education, offering students and trainees an opportunity to practice and visualize complex surgeries in a virtual environment. Moreover, biomedical imaging aids in cost reduction by enabling early detection and preventing the need for more expensive treatments later. For instance, CT scans have decreased the need for exploratory surgeries in diagnosing appendicitis by 80%.

Particularly, musculoskeletal imaging plays a vital role in modern medicine. In Spain, more than 40 million diagnostic imaging exams are performed annually — around 45% are X-rays and 9% are MRI scans. Such imaging often guides around 80% of medical decisions. Typical cost for a magnetic resonance scan of a single joint in Spain ranges from €85 to €400, depending on complexity and centre. Early, precise imaging enables correct diagnosis of fractures, muscle or tendon injuries, and degenerative bone-joint diseases thus improving treatment, reducing complications, and guiding rehabilitation.

Overall, biomedical imaging, including the latest advancements like VR imaging, is revolutionizing healthcare, enabling earlier diagnoses, personalized treatments, and more efficient, cost-effective care.