5 Major Recent Innovations in Medical Technology
2020 – what a year! Even though it was a difficult time for families, friends, and businesses, there were revolutionary things happening in medical technology.
Medical technology innovations can improve disease testing, diagnostics, treatment, and prevention. Want to know which medical innovations you missed recently? Keep reading to find out.
1. Genetic Scissors
The CRISPR/Cas9, also known as genetic scissors, can remove harmful pieces of DNA in the human body. This innovation in medicine could mean a cure for diseases like sickle cell and cystic fibrosis.
Genetic scissors work by removing or replacing sections of genetic code that translate to disease or health problems. Genetics and gene therapy will continue to be at the forefront of new medical technology in the next few years.
2. Pacemaker Tech
Certain medical innovations allow patients to take a more active role in their healthcare. Recently, new medical technology has made it possible for patients to track data from implanted devices.
There is now a Bluetooth-enabled pacemaker connected to a mobile app showing health-related data in real-time. Patients can track their own vitals, physical activity, and even the battery longevity of the device.
Patients and their doctors have access to this data and can reference it during appointments if needed.
3. Bubble CPAP
Babies born prematurely are at a higher risk of developing infant respiratory distress syndrome (IRDS). The traditional treatment for IRDS was mechanical ventilation. But that process increased the baby’s risk of chronic lung disease.
The bubble CPAP (b-CPAP) provides non-invasive ventilation for infants. It works by increasing lung function while delivering blended and humidified oxygen. The b-CPAP maintains healthy pressure for the airways. As the gas moves through the b-CPAP system it releases bubbles which reduces the excess pressure.
4. Telemedicine
Telemedicine changed the healthcare delivery model forever. Now patients can connect with their healthcare providers over the phone or through video chat – saving patients and the healthcare system time and money.
Out of the telemedicine model grew telecardiology and teleradiology. These two specialized forms of care have also gone virtual. Telemedicine has the power to put patient safety and risk management first while promoting equitable services and quality patient care.
Telehealth portals, smartphone apps, and healthcare-related software are part of the new med tech wave of the future.
5. Migraine Treatment
Migraine sufferers know that migraines can dramatically reduce your quality of life. Luckily, there is a new FDA-approved intravenous (IV) migraine prophylactic.
Clinical trials showed promising results for the drug to help people with episodic and chronic migraines. This preventive treatment could change the lives of millions of people with migraines.
Medical Technology Innovations Continue to Thrive
It’s truly incredible how far medical technology innovations have come in the last year. From helping premature babies breathe better to a cure for genetic disorders – 2020 brought serious change to the healthcare world.
And it shows no signs of slowing down! The healthcare landscape is changing every day and patient care is at the center.
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