Journal of Radiology
Open Access

Abstract

In recent years, Latin American countries have used their economic growth to improve their technologies applied to Healthcare. Both the private and the public sector are aware that the only way to improve the quality of life of people is through Health, Food and Education. This economic recovery is reflected in a steady and sustained increase in Healthcare spending, and together with the dependence on imports, generate an attractive business platform for industrialized countries. However, Latin America has its own specific characteristics that differentiate it from any other region. Reconditioned used equipments have the greatest spread, and their use is also very unique. These equipments are working tools: Radiology Technicians and Physicians are responsible for taking care of their workplaces, and they are the ones who daily oversee the proper use of equipment. There has been a marked decrease in the techniques used in Computed Tomography protocols, which use radiation doses much lower than those used in North America. This situation has led Latin American professionals to develop their own maintenance protocols, with a strong emphasis on preventive maintenance routines. These elements make that, nowadays, an increasing number of institutions incorporate Radiology Technicians, Physicians and Biomedical Engineers in the decision-making process for the purchase of medical equipment.

Biography

Gustavo G. Volpi is Argentinean, has advanced studies in Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, UNER (Universidad Nacional de Entre Ríos) and 12 years of experience in Computed Tomography (Axial, Helical, and Multislice) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. Leading his company, DICOM IT, in Argentina, he has made training and specific training sessions in the United States about Installations and Maintenance (Corrective and Preventive) applied to equipment manufactured by Philips (MX8000 and Brilliance, GyroScan Intera). He currently makes Installations and Corrective and Preventive Maintenance throughout Latin America.