Medical technology is constantly advancing to help improve patients’ lives and treatment options. Here are some of the types of medical technology available currently and in the works.
Related: 16 Different Types of Technology
1. Remote Patient Monitoring
Remote Patient Monitoring is an essential tool that helps patients manage their health and stay connected with your care team.
It allows patients to share information about their health status and activities with their care team from the comfort of their own homes.
RPM can help manage chronic conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. It also helps monitor progress after a hospital stay or surgery.
2. Artificial Intelligence
In the medical world, artificial intelligence advances are helping to make doctors’ and patients’ lives easier in many ways.
For one, AI is being used to measure data. In addition, AI is also being used to create digital assistants that can help manage appointments and care plans.
Finally, AI is also being used to develop tools that can help improve the accuracy of diagnoses.
Related: 23 Types of Engineering Technology
3. Virtual Reality
Virtual reality is another technology that is emerging in the medical world. VR can be used to provide patients with immersive experiences that can help them relax during procedures. It also provides therapeutic results for certain eye disorders.
In addition, surgeons in training use VR as a practice tool. They use VR to practice procedures in VR before performing them on actual patients. They also explore possible treatments and procedures with the assistance of virtual reality.
4. Internet of Medical Things
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of physical devices, vehicles, home appliances, and other items that are embedded with electronics, software, sensors, and connectivity capabilities.
The IoT has the potential to transform healthcare by improving patient care and reducing healthcare costs.
Examples of devices that fall under this category include wearable fitness trackers, at-home blood pressure monitors, and smart pillboxes.
The internet of medical things is essential because it allows patients to better manage their own health.
5. Telemedicine
Telemedicine is a term used to describe technology to provide medical care from a distance.
Telemedicine can be used for many purposes, such as allowing patients to consult with doctors via video chat, providing remote monitoring of patients, and delivering care to rural areas.
Telemedicine is vital because it can help improve access to care.
6. Electronic Health Records
Electronic health records (EHRs) are digital versions of patients’ medical histories. EHRs are necessary because they allow for better communication between providers, improved patient safety, and reduced costs.
7. Big Data
Big data is a term used to describe the large amount of data generated by the increasing number of devices connected to the internet.
In the medical world, big data is being used to improve care by providing insights that can help guide decision-making.
8. Blockchain
Blockchain is a term used to describe a type of database that is secure and decentralized.
In the medical field, blockchain is being explored to store and share medical records.
Blockchain is important because it has the potential to make medical records more secure and accessible.
9. Nanomedicine
Nanomedicine uses nanotechnology to diagnose, treat, and prevent disease. Nanomedicine can be used to create new drugs and therapies, as well as to improve existing treatments.
Cancer Nanomedicine is the application of nanotechnology to cancer. Cancer Nanomedicine includes the use of nanoparticles to diagnose, treat, and prevent cancer. It is essential because it has the potential to improve cancer treatment by targeted delivery of drugs and improved imaging.
10. Genomics
Genomics is the study of genes and their function. In the medical field, genomics is being used to develop personalized medicine, including therapeutic and diagnostic methods, called “precision medicine.”
11. Robotics
Robotics is another technology that is increasingly being used in the medical field. Robotics can be used for many purposes, such as assisting surgeons during procedures, providing physical therapy, and delivering medication.
This type of robotic-assisted surgery is typically used for minimally invasive surgery. IT usually involves a camera arm and a mechanical arm with surgical instruments. Surgeons control the arms nearby
12. Wearable Devices
Wearable devices are another technology that is becoming popular in the medical world. These include devices like the Fitbit and Apple Watch, which are designed to track fitness data.
However, doctors also use these devices to track patients’ vital signs. In addition, there are now contact lenses that can measure glucose levels in tears, which could be used to help manage diabetes.
There are also swallowed capsules that can take pictures of the inside of the digestive tract, which could be used to diagnose gastrointestinal issues.
13. Gene Editing
Gene editing is a genetic engineering that involves making changes to an organism’s DNA.
In medicine, gene editing is being explored to treat genetic diseases and cancer.
Gene editing is necessary because it has the potential to correct disease-causing mutations and create new treatments for diseases.
CRISPR technology, in particular, has created a lot of recent buzz in the medical community because of its potential to edit genes.
14. Regenerative Medicine
Regenerative medicine is a branch of medicine that deals with the replacement or regeneration of cells, tissues, and organs. It is a relatively new field of medicine that is constantly evolving.
Regenerative medicine has the potential to change the way we treat diseases and injuries. It offers the possibility of repairing or replacing damaged tissue and organs with healthy cells and tissues.
There are many potential applications of regenerative medicine. For example, it could be used to treat conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis.
It could also be used to repair damage from accidents or injuries, including spinal cord injuries and burns.
Regenerative medicine is still in its early stages of development, but it holds great promise for the future of medicine.
15. Devices enabled by 5 G
The fifth generation of wireless technology, 5G, is expected to bring about a new wave of connected devices.
In the medical field, 5G-enabled devices have the potential to improve care by providing real-time data to doctors and patients alike.
5G is also expected to improve telemedicine and allow for more widespread use of AI in medicine.
16. Tricorders
A tricorder is a handheld device used to diagnose and monitor patients’ health.
Tricorders are vital because they can provide a rapid, accurate diagnosis of patients without the need for expensive lab tests.
17. Healthcare Digital Assistants like Cerner and Epic
Digital health assistants are computer programs that are designed to help patients manage their health. They can provide reminders for appointments and medication, track fitness goals, and offer personalized health advice.
Digital health assistants are essential because they can help patients stay on track with their health goals and improve overall health.
18. Robot-assisted surgery
Robot-assisted surgery is a type of surgery that is performed with the help of a robot. It is becoming more common as technology improves. Robot-assisted surgery is essential because it can offer many benefits to patients, such as less pain, shorter hospital stays, and fewer complications.
19. Advancements in Pacemakers and other Implanted Devices
Pacemakers are devices implanted in the chest to help regulate the heart’s rhythm.
Pacemakers are vital because they can improve the quality of life for patients with heart conditions.
Other implanted devices, such as defibrillators and cardioverter-defibrillators, can also be used to treat heart conditions.
20. Microsoft HoloLens and other Augmented Reality Devices
Augmented reality is a technology that superimposes computer-generated images into the real world.
Microsoft HoloLens is a type of augmented reality device explored for use in medicine.
The HoloLens has the potential to be used for medical training, telemedicine, and patient education.
Other augmented reality devices, such as Google Glass, are also being explored for use in healthcare.
21. Electronic Diagnostic Tools
Electronic diagnostic tools are devices that are used to diagnose diseases. They can provide an accurate and timely diagnosis of patients. These can also be used to monitor the health of patients.
22. Digital Therapeutics
Digital therapeutics is a type of treatment that uses digital technologies to improve patient health. It can be used to treat various conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and mental health disorders.
23. Wireless Monitors
Wireless, take-home devices help patients to monitor their status and levels in the comfort of their own homes.
Two wireless pulse oximetry devices were recently released that are designed for use at home.
For example, the MyOxy monitor connects via Bluetooth. It measures oxygen saturation, blood pressure, and temperature on an app. The user can then share this data with their physician.
The Pulse oximeter is a small, clip-like device that attaches to a finger and measures the oxygen level in the blood.
24.3D Printing in Healthcare
3D printing is making three-dimensional solid objects from a digital file. It is also known as additive manufacturing.
3D printing has been used in healthcare for a variety of purposes, including the creation of prosthetic limbs, implants, and medical devices. It has also been used to create models of organs and body parts for surgical planning.
Recent advances in 3D printing technology have made printing human tissues and organs possible. This has the potential to revolutionize the way we treat diseases and injuries.
3D printing is still in its early stages of development, but it holds great promise for the future of medicine.
25. Brain-Computer Interfaces
Current examples of these brain-computer interfaces are retinal implants and cochlear implants, which help the blind and deaf, respectively, to see and hear. However, in the future, BCI’s may become much more commonplace as they are developed to help with a wider variety of ailments such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, paralysis, and even depression and anxiety.
26. Changes in Melanoma technology
Melanoma biopsies are taking a backseat in favor of other technologies. MelaFind is a handheld device that uses light to scan the skin for irregularities. The device then sends the information to a computer, which analyzes it and provides a report to the doctor.
Another technology that is being used to detect melanoma is called optical coherence tomography (OCT). OCT uses light waves to take pictures of the skin. These pictures can be used to look for early signs of melanoma.
Both of these technologies are non-invasive and do not require a biopsy.
27. The Sapien transcatheter aortic valve
This device is used to replace a damaged aortic valve without surgery. The Sapien valve is made of metal and plastic and is about the size of a quarter.
The valve is placed in the aorta through a catheter, which is inserted into an artery in the leg.
Once the valve is in place, it opens and closes with each heartbeat.
The Sapien valve has been shown to improve survival rates and quality of life for patients with aortic valve disease.
28. Insurance gamification
Certain insurance companies offer their clients a $1000 discount for walking a set amount.
This is an example of how insurance companies are using gamification to encourage their clients to be more active.
Gamification is the use of game elements in non-game contexts.
Insurance companies are using gamification because it has been shown to improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.
29. Digital Pills
The digital pill is a type of medication that contains a sensor that tracks when the pill is taken.
The data from the sensor is transmitted to a patch worn by the patient, which then sends the information to a smartphone app.
The app can be used to track the patient’s medication adherence and share the data with the patient’s physician.
The digital pill is essential because it can help improve patient outcomes by ensuring that medications are taken as prescribed.
30. Augmented Reality in Healthcare
Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that superimposes digital information in the real world.
AR is being explored for use in healthcare and has the potential to be used for a variety of applications, such as medical training, surgical planning, and patient rehabilitation.
AR is important because it has the potential to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.
31. Telemedicine
Telemedicine is the use of telecommunications technology to deliver healthcare services remotely. It potentially provides a wide range of healthcare services, such as primary care, mental health services, and specialty care. =it has the potential to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.
32. Vocal biomarkers
Vocal biomarkers are changes in the voice that can be used to detect disease. It is being studied for use in various diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer. Vocal biomarkers are essential because they have the potential to improve the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
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