The trajectory for software-based medical devices

Abstract

software based medical devices, medical robot, medical apps, future of health care, AI in medicineThe list of new inventions in the field of medical devices appears to be endless.The growth in the field has resulted in seemingly limitless potential.Now, more than ever before it is possible to imagine a world where the quality of healthcare is not based on the size of one's income, or the post-code where the individual resides.The large differences in the health based on race and ethnicity between urban and rural areas have the potential to disappear.While there is large diversity in medical devices and their development is endless, the rapid progress in three fields that stand out are: Medical robotics, AI based medical devices and Software As a Medical Device (SAMD).Whether it is AI based software or smartphone apps, these devices have one common theme-they are Software driven.Often, these use commercially available hardware, and the uniqueness is the software.These are collectively known as Software Based Medical Devices (SBMD).SBMDs have impacted all aspects of the lives of millions of people.An amputee with no hands can have a functioning hand, thanks to the smart prosthetic hand.Smart wheelchairs can assist people with brain injuries to live with minimal assistance, robotic nurses can support the elderly living with dignity, and SBMDs reduce multi-day surgeries into mere hours.An orthopaedic surgeon can print a hip implant to the exact needs of a patient while smartphones can monitor the efficacy of the medicine dose for the person with Parkinson's disease.And a capsule carries wireless sensors and provides the details of the digestive tracks of the person.Clinicians can treat each patient as an individual, and monitor their progress exactly.Progress in SBMD for medical imaging has been in the development of imaging techniques, their analysis and transmission.Complex diagnoses are now performed without harmful radiation.MRIs can detect diseases that were undetectable until recently, and microelectronics have provided implants that can continuously monitor brain activity.An OCT can view the retina of the eyes, while an ultrasound can view the foetus for any abnormality.Medical Robotics, referred to as Medrobotics, is another area of medical breakthrough.Ranging from the exoskeletal devices for post-stroke to highly advanced robotic devices that can be used for performing complex surgical procedures.Procedures that used to take hours and require weeks of post-operative phase have now become single day surgeries.Miniaturised medical robotics can be implanted for procedures such as exact medication.AI has been embedded in medical devices for over 4 decades.Recent advancement has progressed these devices and supports personalised healthcare which treats people as individuals.SBMDs not only provide the individual with personalised lifestyle and diet management but also with monitoring and monitoring of symptoms and medicine dosage.Personalized medicine has finally arrived.

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