Preface to topic “Recent advancement of imaging technology”

Abstract

Recent advancement of imaging technology enables us to apply three dimensional (3D) images for clinical use. Three dimensional imaging itself is not a brand-new technique. It has been in practice for more than 10 years, although insufficient image quality has made it difficult to use the images in clinical applications. However, the development of multi detector low-computed tomography (MDCT) allows us to obtain thin-slice images covering wide ranges, and has remarkably improved spatial resolution (especially in the Z-axis direction) with wide imaging areas. Moreover, hardware for processing huge data and software for making high-quality images has also made progress in recent years. As a result, 3D imaging is presently indispensable for some clinical fields, particularly the field of hepatic surgery, in which 3D displays help to decide the most suitable surgical procedures by means of offering accurate information about bile ducts and vasculature following the evaluation of segment/subsegment borders and volumetry. During surgery, 3D imaging enables surgeons to view the most appropriate areas of resection by providing accurate locations of disease and tumor extension. The medical technology of “Image-supported navigation in hepatectomy” was officially deemed to be of clinical advantage in Japan in 2013, when it was covered by reimbursement. Because of this economically favorable support, image-guided navigation surgery will become more widely spread. Moreover, the number of institutions that have operating rooms equipped with high-resolution monitors for image navigation surgery is now increasing. Image supported navigation surgery may be applicable for thoracic or pelvic areas as well as abdominal fields in the near future. The development of medical imaging requires not only independent advancement of engineering, but also collaboration between engineers and doctors. In the current topic papers, six experts were approached to submit articles in their respective fields of strength. The first two authors are engineers who describe 3D image creation from a software development standpoint. The next two authors are radiologists who actually operate workstations to make clinically useful 3D images. The last two authors are surgeons who perform operations while referring to 3D images. It is hoped that these excellent articles help readers to efficiently obtain up-to-date information on this very important imaging technology.