3 Medical device disruptors of 2018
Technology is already playing a key part in driving global medical innovation, and we take a look at the latest medical devices paving the way for enabling better healthcare in 2018.
1. Brisbane-based M3DICINE’s new wireless, AI-empowered stethoscope
In January this year Medical device designers M3DICINE announced the launch of Stethee, the world’s first AI-enabled stethoscope system. The new design allows users to listen to heart and lungs sounds with sophisticated amplification and filtering technology and to instantly capture and analyse heart and lung sounds and data via Bluetooth to the Stethee iOS or Android App providing a whole new level of diagnostics capabilities.
Already, the technology is being seen as better enabling remote and rural care, with its ability to quickly capture data and share on a global network in real-time. On top of this, its geo-location capabilities has even been heralded by the veterinary community as enabling better animal welfare care.
“The Stethee system has the potential to transform healthcare,” MAYO Clinic’s Department of Orthopedic Surgery MD, Vice-Chair, Professor John Sperling, added. “We are on the forefront of a new era in healthcare driven by artificial intelligence and its ability to significantly improve our ability to care for patients.
“This innovative technology can significantly help drive efficiency and productivity and empower healthcare providers worldwide by providing real time data and clinical interpretation.”
2. FDA approves Empatica’s epilepsy smartwatch as a medical device
In early February, US-based Empatica announced its new ‘Embrace’ epilepsy smartwatch was given FDA clearance as a medical device.
The innovative device utilises patented technology to continuously record physiological signals from multiple sensors and transmits data to a paired smartphone via Bluetooth connection, and from the smartphone to Empatica’s servers.
Using advanced learning algorithms, Embrace helps identify convulsive seizures and sends alerts to caregivers. The Alert App also sends caregivers an SMS and automated phone call when Embrace detects a convulsive seizure.
3. Dilon Technologies’new video laryngoscopy
Medical solutions provider Dilon Technologies has introduced new CoPilot VL+ video laryngoscope for optimised visualisation of the airway during placement of breathing tubes.
The portable airway management device is said to feature higher resolution display, powerful LEDs, and anti-fog coating for a better view of the airway. As the system has a small footprint, it is considered suitable for all medical settings, including anaesthesia in the operating room, intensive care unit, or emergency medical responder field.
The firm also offers a surgical product called the Navigator gamma probe, which can be used for lymph node biopsy and radioactive seed localisation.
