Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –
Source: Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine of the Moscow Department of Health (DZM)
A recent development has made magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology more accessible. Researchers from Moscow have successfully developed 11 medical phantoms that accurately simulate human tissue, organs, and anatomical structures. These developments help medical professionals perform diagnostic procedures more effectively, according to Anastasia Rakova, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Social Development.
Functionality and application of phantoms
“Phantoms are durable and realistic products that imitate human anatomy. Some of them are used to train young specialists and improve the skills of experienced doctors, others – to calibrate diagnostic equipment,” said Rakova. The development of such phantoms allows specialists to practice the basic techniques of conducting visualization studies and prepare devices for various procedures. Among the latest innovations is a prostate gland phantom, which is already successfully used in clinical settings.
Solving clinical problems
MRI is currently the most common method for detecting prostate cancer, but the presence of artificial metal implants in elderly patients often complicates this type of imaging. This requires changes to the MRI protocol before the study. To solve this problem, scientists at the Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine of the Moscow Department of Health have developed the first prostate phantom of their own production, which allows for calibration of the device without the patient’s participation.
“Metal implants can significantly complicate the interpretation of MRI results. We set ourselves the task of solving a major clinical problem: minimizing errors associated with metal hip implants during prostate MRI. These implants can not only cause distortions, but also affect the accuracy of quantitative measurements. Developing a new scanning protocol takes a lot of time, which can delay the examination process and disrupt the work schedule of diagnostic institutions. In addition, adjustments made during the examination can lead to heating of the implant, which will cause discomfort to the patient. Using a phantom, we can make the necessary adjustments in advance, thereby reducing these risks,” explained Yuri Vasiliev, Chief Consultant in Radiology at the Moscow Department of Healthcare and General Director of the Moscow Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine.
Past Innovations and Future Directions
In addition to the prostate phantom, the researchers recently introduced a fetal phantom designed to optimize the MRI protocol for pregnant women. This tool not only helps in training physicians and radiologists, but also serves as a benchmark for equipment standards in clinical practice and in the development of new research protocols.
The Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine is a leading scientific and practical institution of the Moscow Department of Health, specializing in the creation of phantoms and medical simulators, as well as conducting educational courses. Since its foundation in 2013, the Center’s employees have prepared more than 800 scientific papers, including articles, guidelines, monographs and teaching aids.
This project is in line with national healthcare objectives aimed at improving the quality and accessibility of medical care for Moscow residents.