Technology has always been a significant part of healthcare, from the early days of x-rays and vaccines to the recent introduction of electronic health records. But as technology continues to evolve, it’s changing healthcare more profoundly than ever. Now, new medical technologies are emerging that have the potential to transform healthcare as you know it.
Here are some of the most promising new medical technologies that hold the promise of changing healthcare for the better:
3D Printing for prosthetics and implants
In the past, if you needed a prosthetic limb or implant, you would have to wait for weeks or even months for it to be custom-made. But now, thanks to 3D printing, you can get your new limb or implant in just a few days.
3D printing technology emerged in the early 21st century and has been slowly making its way into the medical field. This technology has recently become more refined and less expensive, making it more accessible to patients. And because 3D-printed prosthetics and implants come from lightweight materials, they’re more comfortable to wear and use than ever before.
In 2008, the first 3D-printed prosthetic limb was created. The project incorporated the complete parts of a biological limb, making it the most complex 3D-printed object at the time. The success of this project led to the development of other 3D-printed medical devices, such as implants, artificial joints, and even blood vessels.
In the future, 3D printing will become increasingly common in healthcare. According to statistics, the global 3D printing in the healthcare market will grow to $5,846.74 by 2030, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 20.10%. Thus, if you need a new limb or implant, 3D printing may be the way to go.
Robot-assisted surgery
In robot-assisted surgery, also known as robotic surgery, a surgeon uses a computer to control surgical instruments. This type of surgery is less invasive than traditional open surgery, resulting in less pain and scarring for the patient. Robot-assisted surgery is also more precise than conventional surgery, which means there’s less risk of complications.
In 2000, FDA approved the first da Vinci Surgery System. And since then, it has been increasingly available for various surgeries, including heart surgery, prostate surgery, and gynecologic surgery. In fact, as of 2017, more than 4,000 da Vinci systems are in use worldwide.
Robot-assisted surgery is still a relatively new technology but rapidly evolving. In the future, it may become the standard of care for various surgeries.
Aids for the visually impaired
Visual impairment has been a significant problem throughout human history. But thanks to modern technology, devices and accessories can help people with visual disabilities.
Aids for the visually impaired have been around for quite some time, but they’ve recently become more sophisticated. For example, smart glasses are well-designed to help people with central and peripheral vision loss, retinitis pigmentosa, and other vision problems. These smart glasses use a high-definition camera to capture what the user is looking at and display it on two OLED screens in front of their eyes.
This wearable device can help people with visual impairments see better, allowing them to live more independently. Although smart glasses are not a cure for blindness, they can significantly improve the quality of life for visually impaired individuals.
Hearing aids
Hearing loss is a common problem, affecting about 48 million Americans. But this doesn’t have to be a life-long disability, thanks to modern hearing aid technology.
Hearing aids have come a long way in recent years. They’re now smaller, more comfortable, and more effective than ever. And with the advent of wireless technology, you can directly connect hearing aids to other devices, such as smartphones and TVs.
In the future, hearing aids will become even more sophisticated. For instance, they may be able to connect to the internet and stream audio directly to your ears. Or they may be able to filter out background noise, making it easier for you to hear conversations.
Implanted devices
Implanted devices are becoming increasingly common in healthcare. These devices are usually placed under the skin and treat various conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and Parkinson’s disease.
One of the most common implanted devices is the pacemaker. A pacemaker is a small device placed under the chest’s skin. It uses electrical pulses to help control a person’s heart rate. Pacemakers are usually placed in people who have an irregular heart rhythm.
Other implanted devices include cochlear implants, deep brain stimulators, and ventricular assist devices.
Modern technology is changing healthcare for the better. With new technologies emerging, healthcare is becoming more accessible and less invasive. So if you need medical care, don’t be afraid to ask your doctor about the latest and most extraordinary treatments available. From 3D-printed prosthetics to robot-assisted surgery, there’s sure to be a treatment that’s right for you.
