What modern technologies are used in medical industry

Sponsored content

Healthcare has changed dramatically in the last decades. Innovative technologies have modernized medical premises, instrumentation, and treatments. Healthcare workers have had to adapt rapidly to these changes. Clinics and hospitals should embrace all the emerging healthcare technologies. Otherwise, they risk becoming obsolete shortly.

For instance, the development of the medical actuator has been a great step forward. It has made possible the automation of many healthcare devices and procedures. But this is just one small part of all the technological innovations in healthcare. Some other technologies that have found an application in the medical industry include:

• Artificial intelligence (AI);
• Virtual reality (VR);
• Augmented reality (AR);
• Wireless sensors;
• Robotics;
• 3D printing;

The advance of technology has led to some futuristic medical applications. Some people have even imagined some scary scenarios. In reality, there is nothing to fear about new technologies. To embrace these technologies more easily, healthcare workers must be familiar with them. Thus, this article reviews the modern technologies currently used in the medical industry. Let’s have a look.

Artificial Intelligence

This technology can change the way medical professionals design treatments and drugs. Powerful AI algorithms can analyze medical records and extract useful information. With such information, doctors can design personalized treatments.

Also, AI algorithms can extract information from large collections of clinical data. Scientists can devise more effective drugs with this information. We can find some examples of how AI can help to improve medical practice in the medical literature. Let’s mention a couple of them.

A startup company has used supercomputers to analyze databases of molecular structures. The goal was to find effective therapies against Ebola. Complex AI algorithms identified two drugs that could effectively tackle this disease. The algorithm showed a higher success rate than human radiologists. This technology can reduce the risk of misdiagnosis.

Virtual Reality

This technology has demonstrated its enormous potential as a training tool for surgeons. Using special software, surgeons can immerse themselves in a virtual environment. There, they can learn and practice different surgical procedures. This training method is much more effective than traditional training.

But it’s not only doctors that enjoy this technology. For instance, women viewing soothing virtual landscapes experience less labor pain. The same procedure helps to reduce pain in other cases. For example, patients can get relief from post-surgical pain by using VR visualization.

Augmented Reality

Unlike VR, augmented reality doesn’t immerse you in a virtual environment. Instead, some virtual elements are added to reality. This technology allows a user to visualize useful information in an instant. It is a great learning tool. For instance, students can use it to learn anatomy with great detail. There won’t be a need for dissections with this technology. Also, surgeons will be able to use AR to assist during surgical procedures.

Wireless Sensors

There is a trend toward making patients the point-of-care. Wireless sensors make it possible. These electronic devices can help a user to track different health parameters. In this way, a user can make informed decisions about their lifestyle and habits. What’s more, these devices can send this information to a smartphone. This would allow a doctor to check on the user remotely. Experts refer to this idea as telemedicine.

Robotics

There are many applications of robotics in the medical industry. There are surgical robots that can perform several delicate tasks during an operation. These robots are generally a mechanical arm with a camera and surgical instruments. The surgeon can control the robotic arm from a computer. On the screen, the doctor sees a magnified image of the area of interest. The use of surgical robots prevents complications like infections and loss of blood. Other applications include exoskeletons, disinfectant robots, and more.

3D Printing

This technology will revolutionize the medical industry in many aspects. Currently, it is possible to 3D print artificial limbs, blood vessels, organs, and more. Even the pharmaceutical industry is benefitting from this technology. For example, 3D printed pills can have several layers of different drugs. This approach can help the delivery of the drugs according to the therapeutic plan.

Nanotechnology

Researchers have successfully used nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery. This approach can make chemotherapy more effective and less aggressive. Ongoing research aims to develop nanodevices that can perform tiny surgical operations.