Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Figure 1. Early model MRI machine by General Electric (Source)

Brief: Magnetic resonance imaging was discovered at roughly the same time as an induced magnetic field. In 1882, Nikola Tesla discovered the rotating magnetic field. Professor Isidor I. Rabi observed the quantom phenomenon called the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. This occurs when atomic nuclei show their presence when exposed to a sufficiently strong magnetic field. It was not until 1971 that Raymond Damadian found that cancerous tissue radiate radio waves longer than healthy cells when the NMR machine was turned off. He shortly applied for a patent afterwards in 1972. Being granted the patent in 1974, he produced the first MRI machine by hand and had the first successful test on a human patient. 1987, real time imaging is now capable over the heart and brain. By the late 1990's the MRI machine started to be used as a staple in medical centers throughout the world.

Vaccinations

Figure 1. Sample smallpox vaccination with needle (Source)

Brief: Vaccinations have long been a staple of the human fight against microorganisms. While a small percentage of the population believes that vaccinations have no actual impact on the human ability to battle illness. However, it has been proven in numerous studies that vaccinations do indeed help the immune system. This happens because the body is able to recognize the antigens present in the vaccination and apply them when the real pathogen does invade the body. The result being that the body's immune reaction has a quicker response which limits damage to the organism.

General Anesthesia

Figure 1. Sample Inhalable General Anesthesia (Source)

Brief: General Anesthesia has often regarded as one of the most important discoveries of medical technology. While man in the past has used a variety of home made remedies to remove the feeling of pain, they have generally been only topical in nature and didnt last for very long. Even ingested anesthesia would not have a profound numbing effect that was desired. The earliest traces of the usage of anesthesia lead back to mixtures of opium and mandragora back in 1298. Previously, it was difficult for clinicians to treat invasive type wounds or diseases because surgery would often cause the patient to go into shock which could result in the worsening of the original condition or at worst,death. Eventually it was discovered that ethyl had a stronger numbing effect than plant based derivatives. Alcohol and its relatives quickly became standard for use within surgery to prevent pain.

Figure 2. Sample Modern Syringes of Anesthesia (Source)

In modern society, general anesthesia is used to remove the pain from any procedure that would cause an inconvenience to the patient. Sevoflurane is generally accepted as the inhalable anesthetic for clinical practice. Additionally, intravenous options such as sodium thiopental do not require a waiting period while inhalables get absorbed into the blood stream. 

Use: Depending on the intended medium of transportation, general anesthetic could be introduced to the body a number of ways. Inhalable anesthetics are carefully diluted with each patient's breath and carefully monitored so only the correct dosage is administered for the desired time of numbness. Then the clinician is capable of performing whatever operation they wish. Intravenous anesthesia is administered directly into the bloodstream via injection to the same effect.

Additional Information: General Timeline, General Information, Timeline 2

Artificial Blood

Figure 1. Sample Bag of Artificial Blood (Source)

Brief: Scientists have been attempting to develop a blood substitute since the 1800's. Early attempts to try and use animal blood, urine, and even beer have ended up with the patient having extreme reactions sometimes ending with death which led to their disuse. Eventually, these studies led to human to human blood transfusions, but it was observed that these only had a 50% chance of success. Shortly thereafter, it was discovered that humans have a blood type that belongs to A, B, O, or AB. The first successful prototype solution was created by Sidney Ringer composed of sterilized distilled water, sodium chloride, calcium chloride, and potassium chloride. This fluid effectively acted as a blood volume-expander although it was unable to carry oxygen like regular blood does.

Artificial Cardiac Pacemaker

Figure 1. Progression of the Pacemaker (Source)

Brief: The pacemaker is a small implantable device that is placed in the upper chest and is connected to the heart by a set of small thin insulated wires. The pacemaker is designed so that a health care professional can communicate with the device for small adjustments. As technology improved, many of the devices can be checked remotely without always haveing the patient come to the office. Modern pacemakers are very slim and rounded and hold a lithium-iodide cell that is capable of providing many years of service before the unit needs to be replaced. The purpose of the pacemaker is to artificially control the heartbeat pace and activation of the heart.