6 Top Advancements In Medical Technologies

Advancements in technology are moving at an incredibly rapid rate. From 5G to IoT devices, the very landscape of our daily lives is being revolutionized by ever-evolving gadgets and technologies. One industry that is benefiting greatly from tech is healthcare. Below are some of the top medical technologies to look out for.

1. Telehealth

Traditional visits to the doctor often involve long wait times, which can prevent people from going to the clinic in the first place. But advancements in telehealth have made it possible for patients to not only avoid sitting in a waiting room, but to also be seen by a doctor from any location. This is especially useful for mobility-restricted or elderly people, for patients who live in rural areas, or for those who require shielding from contagions.

Thanks to the internet, two-way cameras, and wearable technologies, many patients can see their doctor for routine visits via their computer, tablet, or mobile phone. Not only can the doctor prescribe medications, but wearable technology that monitors heart rate and blood pressure can also be used during these appointments. While in some cases a physical exam is necessary, straightforward visits via telehealth technologies are transforming the medical industry.

2. Cancer Immunotherapy

Most people are familiar with the uncomfortable flu-like symptoms associated with chemotherapy treatments for cancer. This discomfort is largely due to the way this targeted treatment kills not just cancer cells, but also other healthy cells in the body.

Recent advancements in immunotherapy, however, have enabled a new kind of treatment that works with the immune system instead. Immunotherapy essentially trains the immune system to detect and destroy cancer cells, which means that healthy cells can remain intact. This innovative new therapy has meant that lung cancer treatment and throat cancer treatment are more effective than ever before and with far less adverse symptoms.

3. Robotic Surgery

While the idea of a robot conducting surgery can sound somewhat frightening, but this technology is being used with great success in minimally invasive procedures. It is especially useful for procedures that require a high degree of precision and control and which are difficult for a human to do.

This new form of technology is creating advancements in surgery, as it provides highly accurate support and assistance. So far, the prospect is that robots will aid and enhance surgery, rather than replace surgeons completely.

4. Smart Inhalers

Inhalers have been around for many years to help asthma sufferers open their airways. However, studies have shown that around 94% of users don’t use their inhalers correctly, which means they don’t receive appropriate treatment. Enter smart inhalers. This new technology is attached to an inhaler and records the timing of when each dose was administered. By tracking this information on their phone, users are better able to manage their condition and the timing of their dose.

5. Wearable Tech

Wearable technology has become a fad in the form of fitness trackers and smartwatches as people monitor their steps, sleep patterns, and more. Fads aside, however, wearable tech is also revolutionizing healthcare as it can be used to monitor conditions such as diabetes (for blood sugar levels) and cardiovascular disease (for heart rate). These technologies are also encouraging people to become more active and aware of their own health.

While most wearable devices are pretty accurate, that might not always be the case. Some wearables have been reported to measure data inaccurately occasionally. For individuals with heart conditions, inaccurate data can be dangerous. So for people with certain health conditions, Craft Body Scan‘s 3D body scanning service might actually be a better option.

6. PACS Systems

Medical PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) is a type of healthcare technology that enables healthcare providers to store, manage and share medical images and data such as X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and other medical records in a digital format. These systems are designed to improve the efficiency and accuracy of healthcare by providing clinicians with instant access to patient records from anywhere, at any time. Medical PACS systems from Novarad, for example, can help healthcare organizations reduce costs, increase patient safety, and improve patient outcomes by streamlining workflows and reducing the time and resources required to manage medical records.