There's been a huge leap in X-ray technology, which could dramatically improve diagnostic and treatment options in a number of conditions, hopefully reducing treatment costs and their impact on PMI schemes.

Although computed tomography, or CT, scanners used in hospitals collect hundreds of X-ray images taken from different angles and convert them into a three-dimensional picture of a patient's anatomy, as the scanner is rotated around the patient, taking pictures as it goes, the image will blur if the patient moves.

The University of North Carolina is developing a prototype of a smaller, simpler, machine, that uses some seriously technical gadgetry to produce highly detailed and pin sharp pictures, even if the patient moves.

The prototype machine, which has X-ray sources arranged in a ring rather than a single point, is also attached to a radiation therapy device, which allows simultaneous imaging and treatment with a previously unheard of level of control for the treating clinicians.

The precision of the new technology has already captured immensely detailed images of the vascular systems of mice and is being refined even further, into X-ray beams so precise that they can be aimed at individual cells, allowing tumours to be destroyed cell by cell.

The University are developing the machine in partnership with Siemens and although it's likely to be a few years away from general availability, it's indicative that continued advances in medical technology are likely to remain a key step towards containing treatment costs.