How would you like to stick a band-aid on after surgery? How about witnessing a patient who lost hope at ever being able to walk again, regain control over his legs thanks to a computer chip in his brain? Emerging technologies in the medical field will allow you to experience that and much more. Here are four new medical technologies that you should be aware to stay well-informed as a medical professional:
1. Engineered Blood Vessels
Scientists have been trying for years to grow blood vessels from human tissue in labs. They have finally succeeded in developing engineered blood vessels that are good enough to be used in practice. These engineered blood vessels are better than the metal tubes that are used now for patients who undergo kidney dialysis. The problem with metal tubes as blood vessels is the body sometimes rejects it or they cause infections.
Humacyte Inc. is a notable startup that has made major advancements in growing human tissue that is safe to implant in humans. The donor cells for developing blood vessels are cleansed before use to prevent the patient's immune system from rejecting them. Interestingly, the receiver's cells merge with the engineered blood vessels, which makes them less prone to infections. Engineered blood vessels are also more durable than metal tubes. Humacyte expects to introduce their engineered blood vessels to the U.S. market in 2019.
2. Neuromodulation
Another new technology that will make life easier is neuromodulation, which is the process of treating inflammatory diseases with electrical stimulation. SetPoint Medical is creating a device that utilizes neuromodulation. It's designed to be implanted in the patient's neck near the vagus nerve, where it can transmit electrical stimulation to the nerve.
SetPoint Medical based this device off of neurosurgeon Kevin J. Tracey's discovery that stimulating the vagus nerve can decrease inflammation. People who had low vagus nerve activity usually had an inflammatory problem. Neuromodulation is years away from market entry, but the first human studies will start in 6-9 months (Decemmber 2016 to March 2017).
3. NeuroLife
People who are paralyzed may be able to use their limbs again thanks to the new technology NeuroLife, which is a computer chip that restores the connection between a person's brain and muscles. NeuroLife has helped a 24-year-old regain control over his hand, so that he could play a guitar video game and swipe a credit card. This is good news for the medical community because people who have become paralyzed can regain control and independence in their lives. Doctors will also want to take note of this technology because it can improve the quality of their patients' lives.
4. Surgical Robots
Last but not least, surgical robots are a new technology you need to know about as a medical professional. The surgery robot that researchers at Vanderbilt University are building can make incisions so small they only require a band-aid. Their surgery robot has a tiny mechanical wrist instrument that precisely cuts the skin for minimally invasive surgery. The robot's arm consists of concentric tubes that become smaller as they extend.
Robots aren't close to replacing surgeons and doctors yet, but you should certainly take it into consideration. What would you do if a robot could handle your tasks? It will give you good ideas for improving your practice in order to stay in business as technology advances.
5. Conclusion
Keep an eye out for these neat technologies in the medical industry. If one of them is relevant to your practice, consider investing in it. Your patients will love you if you do. Anything that increases their chances of success, survival, or quality of life is a worthwhile investment.
Earning your patient's loyalty is one way to create job security as technology advances, particularly when it comes to AI (artificial intelligence). Contact us to learn about how you can attract loyal patients and develop long-lasting relationships with them.
