Medical Device Innovation in 2020 and Beyond

MedTech Outlook | Thursday, October 29, 2020

To stay on top of innovation and remain competitive, medical device manufacturers need to stay updated on the latest technology trends.

FREMONT, CA: Health is priceless. Clinicians and patients always need the very best innovative medical devices, regardless of costs or operational complexities. Medical devices play an essential role in helping patients handle their medical conditions and provide doctors and health practitioners with the data they need to follow their patient’s progress long after the visit is over. Technology is ever-emerging to bring new developments in how patients and physicians can track medical conditions. Here is a closer look at some medical device trends and how they impact care.

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The significant devices transforming healthcare today are medical devices that deploy artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. This technology is used to diagnose health conditions, identify the disease, and create efficiencies from clinical trials to practices. It will lead to more personalized, targeted treatments based on patient demands. AI ensures enhancements to the performance, safety, and effectiveness and includes real-world monitoring of performance once the device is on the market to ensure that safety and efficacy are maintained.

• Robotics

Collaborative robotics is assisting surgeons in the operating room. The field of robotics is changing healthcare today. Robots help treat and rehabilitate patients, automate research, and even help disinfect hospital rooms. The technology illustrates particular promise for telemedicine in rural areas too. Nanotechnology or microbots seems very promising. Robots work inside the body to target a specific location. They can be controlled by an electromagnetic field or guide on their own through bodily fluids.

• Extended Reality

The extended reality like virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality, has found use cases in healthcare, including surgery simulation and patient care and treatment. Virtual reality has been applied to aid patients with everything from depression to visual impairment. It shows a tremendous application for medical training too. AR allows researchers to collect data in 3D format, which then can be presented in a 3D view. This has the potential to transform the way clinicians plan and execute medical procedures and even conduct research. Therapeutic imaging also has the potential to be transformative for diagnostics and treatment, making the process easier for patients.