Article Summary: There is a machine, called the transesophageal multiplanar ultrasound probe, that can take images of the heart’s function. In the study described in this paper, all 53 subjects that underwent this imaging saw good images with no major problems doing surgery. The imaging was also very fast, taking only about three to seven minutes, and was effective when used on subjects between one and seventy years old. The probe is especially useful in abnormal health and surgery situations; this is most evident in cases with young children, since the smaller probe is easier to use with smaller hearts. It is also more accurate, easier to use, and more cost-effective than its competitors.
Reaction: This article is likely the first of many that shows how effective new technology can really be in the medical field. I think the biggest takeaway is the how: how is the new so much better than the old? It really comes down to the expansion of application. Once this kind of technology is invented, doctors and surgeons don’t have to do so much on their own, especially in difficult cases. Things like this imaging allow doctors to work more efficiently and focus on other more human-centric tasks. In my paper, I would talk about how technology makes techniques more universal.
5 thoughts on “Technology in Surgery: Ultrasound Probes”
Nick – I liked the depth and sustenance in your research and reaction. However, I wonder how you will be able to prove that technology can universally support doctors in their tasks throughout the field. From what I have read online, machines often lack the broad scale of the human mind, and every patient is different. In your opinion, do you think that machines will have the ability to truly cover all of these varying possibilities in each unique patient across the field? Just something to consider, but I see your point in the advancement of technology in the field.
Saahil Mohal
I really liked how you used specific evidence to dive deeper into the subject matter. I also like how looked at the subject in an analytical way, wondering how much better the new technology is than the old. I think you could tie this in with the debate about artificial intelligence and how there are many strong and efficient machines but lack the essential qualities which make humans human (in this case a physician or surgeon). I think that, in addition to what you are doing, you could also look at the economic/cost- related implications of these devices and seeing whether their value matches its capabilities. Overall, really nice job!
Barzin
I like that within your reaction you explored the benefits of technology in surgery. Not only being crucial but necessary. I, however, believe that you should explore any negative impact technology has on this field, if there’s any at all. It may provide concrete evidence and refutations for your research. Besides that you have a solid foundation for your research .
EKOUE
I am very interested in the topic you chose as I would like to see how the machine works. It seems as if this new technology can be very ground-breaking in the medical field. I wonder if there are any negative implications this technology can cause on the body when taking images of the heart? This could be something to think about when doing further research.
Kody
Nick, I really enjoyed reading this summary and analysis. My uncle has done a lot of work with heart surgery methods, so I somewhat related to the article that you chose. In the heart surgery category, I wonder what other technology methods are making work easier for doctors. I am aware of the development of nanotechnology in heart surgery, which is referred to as nano surgery. I believe this could be the next step for your research in finding out what other technological methods minimize the amount of hands-on work experts are required to do. Nanotechnology could be a great place to start. Overall, great job on your summary and analysis!
Benjamin