The New York Times reports imaging technology can still improve despite the significant advances in medicine that have taken place over the past few decades. Prior to surgery, physicians review several black and white images to construct a visual estimation of the patient’s anatomy, however recalling those images in the operating room can be a challenge. Doctors are exploring the potential of 3-D imaging as a way to make surgery safer, and for physicians to communicate more effectively with their patients.

The New York Times spoke to Todd J. Albert, MD, surgeon-in-chief at HSS, who said, “The patient has to understand the disease and be part of the decision with the doctor.” Dr. Albert explained doctors make every effort to help patients understand what’s going on inside their bodies, however it’s a challenge with the imaging technology available today. “Even if you orient the patient, they’re not used to looking at the images, so it’s not easy. It would be a lot better if they could see something that actually looks like their body,” he added.

Read the full article at NYTimes.com.