By Susan Hoffman
Contributor
Over the years, advances in medical technology have proven beneficial for thousands of patients. For instance, All3DP notes that 3D printers can create customized prosthetic limbs, dentures, tissues and organs.
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In addition, the National Institutes of Health says that 3D printer technology has made it possible to create “polypills.” These pills have multiple compartments; each compartment contains a different medication that is released at a different interval. For patients who have to take multiple medications, this type of pill provides greater convenience and also helps to ensure that the patient gets the right dose of medication at the right time.
Telehealth has also made great strides. According to Healthline, there are several free mobile apps available that provide access to healthcare providers for non-emergency health issues. These apps are available for both iPhones and Android phones.
Similarly, DocWire notes that the use of virtual reality (VR) devices is growing in medicine. VR is helpful for planning surgeries, giving patients physical therapy and training medical students in anatomy.
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Forbes writer Bernard Marr observes that medical technology such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, robotics and wearable tech devices are gearing up to meet 21st-century challenges. He says, “Technology can help healthcare organizations meet growing demand and efficiently operate to deliver better patient care.”
The Consumer Electronics Show, opening this week in Las Vegas, will feature some intriguing innovations in medical technology. Some of these medical innovations include:
- Aerbetic’s wearable, non-invasive diabetes alert system to warn diabetics if their glucose levels are moving outside desired ranges
- Grapheal’s electronic wound patch that continuously monitors chronic wounds and warns of early-stage infections
- Nightwatch’s epilepsy detection watch and monitoring system to warn caregivers of nighttime seizures
In time, it seems likely that even more beneficial technological devices will be created and adapted for everyday use. These devices could be used for various medical purposes, including patient diagnosis, therapy and surgery. Their usefulness is limited only by the human imagination.
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