The medical device field is changing all the time. It is growing rapidly and the technology and innovation within the industry are developing fast as well. As we head into the 2020 decade, medical devices will continue to employ the most cutting-edge technology to provide better results and a better experience for both doctors and patients.

What can we look forward to in the medical device field as we steam ahead into the new decade? Several trends involve medical devices that incorporate the latest technology to deliver amazing results and revolutionize the medical industry. Here are four emerging trends shaping medical devices.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to a computer's ability to process massive quantities of data using complex algorithms and make decisions based on that data that mimic the way the human brain works. This technology is being employed throughout the healthcare world but is particularly interesting in its applications for medical devices.

This technology allows medical devices to do some of the basic work that a doctor or medical professional would do for a patient. AI-based medical devices can do pre-screenings and offer diagnoses based on information about vital signs, symptoms, pre-existing conditions, etc. This assistance will help doctors be more efficient with their time and also confirm diagnoses for better overall results.

AI medical devices can also help medical professionals get to the bottom of tough diagnoses or discern significant issues earlier. AI machines can not only process more data faster than the human brain but also pick up on very small disturbances in the data that the human brain or eye might miss.

Robot doctors don't currently have the bedside manner (or robot bodies) to replace human doctors any time soon, but real-life AI is becoming more important in medical devices. With AI capability, the devices medical professionals use are helping the entire world become more accurate and effective.

Software as a Medical Device

When you think of a medical device, you probably conjure up images of big machines such as x-ray machines, CT scanners, or MRI equipment. In the 21st century, one of the biggest emerging trends shaping the medical device industry is software as a medical device on its own.

The category of Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) refers to software products that operate as medical devices independently from any other medical device. They generally run with non-medical technology such as computers, smartphones, tablets, or wearable devices. This comprehensive guide from Orthogonal delves into what qualities are needed to qualify something as SaMD.

SaMD is helping revolutionize the medical device industry and the healthcare industry as a whole for several reasons. The technology makes medical devices smaller, more portable, and more affordable. It also gives patients more access to medical devices, thus giving patients more ownership over their treatment and overall health.  SaMD also helps medical professionals get vital health info in real-time instead of only at visits.

Because SaMD is software, it is updated like software usually is, through internet-based updates. This makes the feedback loop on SaMD products much faster than traditional medical devices. Software engineers can improve the devices very quickly to make sure they work to their best ability, a much needed characteristic in the fast-paced world of healthcare.

Blockchain

When you think of blockchain technology, you probably think of cryptocurrency. Although this is probably the most well-known use of this emerging technology, many aspects of modern life can benefit from a secure, decentralized ledger, including medical devices.

Security is a primary concern for medical devices. With so many medical devices connected to the internet and that are accessible remotely, the possibility of unauthorized people gaining access to sensitive data or compromising the ability of a device is growing.

Blockchain has many uses in healthcare security and can be used in medical devices to securely store and transfer patient data. It would keep a public record of every transaction and give an almost unhackable code to each record that can only be accessed when the appropriate people are given the code. It is one of the best ways to protect all the personally identifiable data these devices collect.

Blockchain also has applications in the supply chain of medical devices as they go from manufacturer to end-user. Blockchain keeps a verifiable record every time the device moves or changes hands, ensuring the chain of custody is secure from beginning to end.

VR/AR/ MR

Virtual, augmented, and mixed reality are three related technologies, sometimes collectively referred to as extended reality (XR) that are becoming more trendy in medical devices. This technology creates a complete virtual world (VR), overlays virtual features on a real-world background (AR), or even allows the virtual world and the real world to interact (MR).

Paring this technology with medical devices has many practical applications in the medical world. VR devices can create virtual training worlds where doctors or surgeons can practice their craft in a way that looks and feels real without having to use a real patient or even a cadaver. Some VR devices are used to deliver new and exciting therapy programs for patients who suffer from a wide range of neurological and psychological issues.

AR is often used in medical devices these days, especially for training purposes. It can also be used to overlay X-rays on patients to give surgeons what is akin to x-ray vision to help them be much more accurate during surgery. These applications are just the tip of the iceberg for XR and medical devices.

Conclusion

Medical devices and technology have always helped shape the future of medicine. The 21st century is no exception and, in fact, these devices may do even more to drive medicine forward than was possible in the past. Going forward, trends such as AI, SaMD, blockchain, and XR will drive growth in the medical device industry and make healthcare better overall.