Developments within the specialties (jan 6, 1950 – jan 17, 1970)
Description:
Widespread clinical use of nuclear medicine started.
Development of the image intensifier.
Ultrasound started in the 1950s and gained popularity in the 1960s.
Although promising as a therapeutic modality, an important limitation of the early X-ray machines was their inability to produce high-energy, deeply penetrating beams. Therefore, it was difficult to treat deep-seated tumours without excessive skin reactions. In the 1960s, high-energy (megavoltage) treatment machines, known as linear accelerators or linacs, were introduced.
Imaging devices (gamma cameras) introduced to detect disorders shown up by the injection of mildly radioactive materials (isotopes), giving rise to the specialty of nuclear medicine. Detailed studies of organ function are now possible.
Added to timeline:
History of x-rays
Date:
