Top 10 innovations in medical devices

Robotization

Robots are automated devices that have achieved significant breakthroughs in medicine, enhancing the accuracy and quality of medical procedures. Simple models include automated drug delivery systems, while more complex ones are surgical units that perform operations with minimal invasiveness and reduced risks to patients. Technologies continue to advance daily and already play a crucial role in healthcare. Medical robots come in various types, each designed for specific tasks:

• Surgery;

• nursing;

• disinfection;

• diagnostics, laboratory testing;

• assisting;

• counseling;

• physical activity; exercise;

• radiation therapy;

• rehabilitation (exoskeletons, robotic prostheses);

• physical therapy, massage;

• creation of three-dimensional biological structures;

• training (simulators).

Special nanorobots and microrobots are capable of providing targeted delivery of therapeutic substances and conducting microsurgical interventions in the body.

3D printing

3D printing technologies in medicine enable the creation of highly accurate, detailed products. This innovative process uses additive techniques, such as stereolithography, selective laser sintering, and fused deposition modeling. This technology offers a wide range of applications across various fields of medicine:

• implants/prosthetics;

• production of anatomically accurate models for surgeons' training;

• production of medical instruments and devices. 

3D bioprinting enables the creation of organs and tissues. This cutting-edge technology combines traditional 3D printing with biological sciences to reproduce living body structures, offering significant potential for applications in transplantation and drug testing.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence is an innovative technology that mimics human logic and reasoning to solve various tasks. In medicine, AI plays a critical role. It assists in managing electronic medical records, diagnosing diseases, planning medical and surgical treatments, monitoring health, developing drugs, and conducting virtual consultations

Artificial intelligence helps reduce the burden on the healthcare system. AI technologies support doctors in laboratory and instrumental diagnostics, significantly accelerating result processing through integration with medical equipment. Common diseases are detected earlier, enabling more patients to receive timely specialist care and reducing the incidence of serious complications.

Telemedicine

Telemedicine encompasses a range of measures, actions, and technologies in medicine that rely on remote communication to deliver healthcare services. This field includes digital training for specialists, information services, and self-service options. The primary future goals of telemedicine are:

1. Connecting patients and doctors.

2. Communication, training, exchange of experience of the personnel of medical institutions.

3. Teleconsultations in remote communities.

4. Remote assistance to patients with diabetes mellitus.

5. Creation of electronic prescriptions

The electronic tool eliminates the need for patients registered in remote areas to make regular visits to medical facilities for prescriptions.

Virtual reality for rehabilitation

Modern advances in virtual reality have the potential to assist patients in the early postoperative period by alleviating phantom pain associated with limb amputation. VR can reduce pain sensations by providing strong emotional experiences and creating a realistic virtual environment.

Before introducing the therapy to medical facilities, doctors tested numerous programs to select the most effective ones for motor recovery. These apps help immerse patients in a virtual world, shifting their focus from pain to simulated objects and creating a «distraction effect». VR is implemented on an individual basis under the supervision of a physician specializing in physical and rehabilitation medicine.

Implant devices and prosthetics

Medical implants are tissues or devices placed inside the body or on its surfaces. They have long been used to regulate bodily functions and replace missing parts. Modern science and healthcare are exploring methods for manufacturing customized implants that consider patients' anatomical features while ensuring satisfactory aesthetics. Implant models are created using computer technology and 3D printing based on MRI and CT scans.

Wireless technology is driving numerous innovations. Implants can now transmit information about the body's condition, with pressure sensors placed in orthopedic prostheses to gather joint data. Additionally, implantable devices are being developed to assess the cardiovascular system, while prototypes that transmit brain activity results over Wi-Fi are emerging in neurosurgery.

Wearable devices

Wearable devices help combine vital signs with clinical symptomatology, and play a special role in disease prognosis. Wearable devices are being used to combat and detect COVID-19. The medical market is growing at a rapid pace due to technological innovations and advancements. Smart watches, fitness trackers, smart bracelets, smart rings can improve the lifestyle of people. Wearable technologies offer a convenient way to monitor physiological parameters. The devices are easy to use, capable of providing real-time data to doctors. Wearable medical devices have a wide range of applications in healthcare. The products facilitate self-monitoring of patients' vital signs.

Smart inhalers

Inhalers are specialized canisters that deliver therapeutic aerosol for individuals with asthma. When used correctly, they are up to 90% effective. However, studies indicate that only 50% of patients manage their condition properly, while 94% use inhaler devices incorrectly. To assist patients, science and medicine have developed smart inhalers with Bluetooth support. These devices offer a range of functions thanks to their specialized systems:

• record the date;

• record the time of each dose;

• analyze the correctness of administration;

• transmit data to a smartphone.

Users can independently monitor and manage their health status. Clinical studies have shown that using smart inhalers yields positive results, improves overall health, and leads to reduced medication consumption.

Genome analysis and editing

DNA sequencing is used in medicine to decipher the genetic code by establishing the sequence of nucleotides that form a chain. This information reveals the characteristics of an organism's vital functions and the nature of genetic diseases.

Innovations in medicine include portable nanopore sequencers. These devices, which fit in the palm of your hand, possess powerful capabilities. A DNA molecule passes through nanoscale pores, allowing for real-time reading. The accompanying software processes the data, assesses its quality, corrects errors, analyzes, and assembles the genome. Scientists regularly update the system and create new engineered proteins for research, which fosters scientific experimentation and enhances our understanding of human disease mechanisms.

Biosoluble stents

Many experts believe that stents left in the body for extended periods can lead to thrombosis. In response, developers have created biosoluble stents made from natural polymers, which can dissolve safely within the body.

This medical innovation was developed similarly to absorbable threads that can dissolve. The first bio-dissolvable stent has been approved in the U.S., and experts believe that the medical market will significantly expand with these advancements in the coming years.

Conclusion

Modern advances in medical technology provide new solutions to enhance the health and quality of life for patients. This rapid development opens new horizons for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. Bimedis Marketplace actively supports medical progress by offering a wide range of new and used equipment from leading brands, all of which meet high standards of quality and efficiency.