8 Significant Technologies in the Medical Field

Recent technological development in health care contributes to a more reliable and advanced approach. The latest technology allows timely treatment for patients, but it also offers an easier way to communicate between facilities. This tactic helps in giving better response time to patient’s needs at an affordable cost. 

Moreover, technological advancement offers better adoption of expertise from all areas leading to eventual solutions. With patients demanding reliable and fast service, there is a high likelihood of more sophisticated technology soon. Keep reading as we take you through some of the newest innovations taking the medical industry by storm. 

1. Artificial cochlea

For years, scientists and engineers have tried to develop an artificial ear for the deaf. One major breakthrough is an artificial cochlea that was first described in 2011 by researchers at MIT’s Media Lab. The device is inserted into the inner ear, where it transforms sound and into electrical impulses. 

The signals are then sent directly to the brain via two possible methods: a thin bundle of electrodes connected to an external amplifier or a pair of wireless headphones. Luckily, the device is very tiny and comfortable to the wearer. 

As a result, most individuals take advantage of its effects leading to an enhanced demand for the device. If you want to make a kill in the industry, become a hearing aid provider. Not only does supplying hearing aids rake in good money, but it also improves the lives of individuals struggling with hearing loss.

2. Robotic Surgery Technology

The use of robotic surgery is increasing at an alarming rate. These machines can be more accurate with fewer complications in comparison with the traditional procedures. Human factors engineering is used to make sure that surgeries are done as accurately and precisely as possible.

This innovation has lead to an impressive improvement in outcomes for many patients diagnosed with cancer, brain tumors, and heart disease.

3. Virtual Reality

True VR uses immersive headsets and other hardware to simulate vision, hearing, touch, and movement within a virtual world. Users can be immersed in a virtual world that replaces the real one but remains aware of their actual surroundings and interacts with both.

With VR goggles strapped to your face and headphones blocking out the noise, it’s easy to see how this technology could help make patients less anxious during procedures. Studies show that VR distraction can reduce a patient’s perception of discomfort by up to 50%. As a result, some surgeons have adopted the technology during operations. Also, it is an effective treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), phobias, and other mental health issues.

4. Chatbot

Chatbots are designed to provide automated, accurate feedback in response to a set of questions. Often people struggling with some conditions like mental health issues have a hard time finding help due to the stigma associated with it.

The program’s flexibility allows psychiatrists and psychologists to adjust the number and type of questions and help patients online. As virtual reality technology matures, therapists might be able to use it with chatbots to treat patients remotely. Chatbots could also provide an opportunity for psychologists to practice therapeutic conversations before having them face-to-face with patients.

5. Computer-aided Diagnosis (CADx)

This approach uses image analysis to aid radiologists in their diagnoses. The components are software typically called “workstations” or “readers” that perform the study and integrate it with existing CT scanners, MRI machines, or stand-alone.

There are two types of CADx approaches – anatomic based and lesion based. Anatomic-based CADx methods analyze images according to the structures they represent. Lesion-based tools look for specific abnormalities usually on a pre-defined list (such as those found in cancer)

6. Medical Imaging

Current imaging technology allows doctors to get better images inside the victim’s body. The latest innovations include Computed Tomography (CT), which uses X-rays and digital computing. Likewise, the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technology uses MRI scanning devices that work by detecting unique magnetic energy signals.

Another addition is the Positron Emission Tomography (PET), which uses radioactive substances, a camera, and computers to produce body images. These diagnostic tools help doctors make accurate diagnoses resulting in optimal treatment decisions.

7. Tracking Software

Tracking technology helps medics and database personnel to monitor patients during and after surgery quickly. Medics achieve this by recording data from various sources into one system, including video, audio & images.

The recorded data is instantly editable and can be shared between multiple users, all without any difficulty. Due to its ability to share data, it is compatible with various medical devices: MRI, X-ray, endoscope machine & other imaging devices.

8. Anesthesia Machine Diagnostic Software

The software helps to quickly determine the cause of anesthesia machine failure by monitoring several parameters. Apart from diagnosis, there are many useful features in the diagnostic software that avoid severe failures during operation. Some of them include proper measurement of gas concentration, assistance when detecting a leak & automatic switching of the machine.

Furthermore, the software can also record the flow rate, pressure changes, and scavenging performance of the anesthesia machine with high accuracy. The collected data is later stored in a database, making it easier to do data analysis and trend evaluation.

Bottom Line

Improving health and life expectancy should be the ultimate goal in the health care industry. For this reason, embracing modern methods and combining them with social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter can be the beginning of a successful journey. Thankfully, technology improves user experience through early detection and proper management, elevating the entire industry to higher levels.