Scanning breakthrough hope

Friday January 29th, 2010

British researchers are setting out to make a breakthrough in scanning - creating revolutionary images of unborn babies and new perspectives on the heart.

The Leeds University research team believes that portable devices will be able to test for heart conditions, especially in babies in the womb.

Magnetometers detected magnetic fields and so far have mainly been used for neurology research to depict the activity of the brain.

The devices are large and unwieldy and have to ensure the person being scanned is contained within a magnetic shield to cut out electrical interference.

The researchers in Leeds, Yorkshire, are quantum physicists and believe they can develop a smaller device, capable of being operated by a doctor or a nurse.

Researcher Professor Ben Varcoe plans to have the detector within its own magnetic shield. His plans use a sensor that transmits signals to the detector.

He said: "Early detection of heart conditions improves the prospects for successful treatment. This system will also quickly identify people who need immediate treatment.

"But our device won't just benefit patients, it will also help ease the strain on healthcare resources and hospital waiting lists."

The researchers say potential applications include the detection of ischaemia - poor blood supply caused by blood vessel blockages - and could help improve treatment of irregular heart beat by helping doctors identify the defective section of the heart.

Tags: Childbirth and Pregnancy | Heart Health | UK News

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