When looking at new, powerful technologies, the healthcare industry is always pushing the boundaries. If you want to know how technology is progressing, take one look at what’s happening in healthcare. Why? Because it’s an industry that is thriving. Hospitals are the first to get access to phenomenal, revolutionary new treatments and technology. Their ability to save lives and make miracle changes is unlike any other industry on the planet. In this particular post, we’re going behind the scenes, and looking deeper. We’ll open up the hospital doors, and see what revolutionary new technology is helping to save lives.

From diagnosis to surgical procedures, the world of medicine changes at a rapid rate. We’ve come a long way in just a short space of time, but that’s good news for the entire planet. We are slowly learning more about the human body. And we can begin to understand how technology can help us live longer, healthier lives. Best of all, we’ve only just scratched the surface of what’s possible. Imagine what we’ll be capable of in just another decade. It’s an exciting time to be part of the healthcare industry, so let’s take a better look, shall we?

3D printing

If you regularly follow technology blogs, you’ll know that 3D printing has been on the horizon for a decade. It was tipped as a revolutionary invention that might just change the world. Although we haven’t seen a full-scale adoption of 3D printers, they are having a miraculous effect in the medical world. For example, doctors can now create artificial body parts in the 3D printer. It has been used to create bone parts and joints. More recently, doctors have discovered how to create tissue cells using a 3D printer. In a recent case, a patient had his entire esophagus replaced. The possibilities here are quite remarkable.

Artificial Intelligence diagnoses

The world of AI is becoming increasingly fascinating. At the same time, many worry about the speed at which we are unearthing artificial intelligence. While the entire implications of this tech are unclear, there is a beneficial aspect in the healthcare industry. For example, artificial intelligence is now used to help carry out simple diagnoses. By learning the knowledge inside medical journals and textbooks, they can provide quick diagnostics. In many hospitals, simple apps can diagnose a patient in seconds. These machines can also access huge amounts of data in terms of biometrics and patient history.

Brain computer interfaces

If this sounds complicated, that’s because it is! Brain computer interfaces is a term that describes an superhuman ability to control computers. But not as you normally would; using nothing but brain activity! It’s the technology that allows Stephen Hawking to speak and move a wheelchair. However, this technology is being expanded and enhanced. It’s now possible for paraplegics to move a computer cursor with their brain activity. They can even be used to control robotic limbs and restore function to paralyzed limbs. The technology will bring new life to the disabled, and change the way we think about paralysis.

Robotics

We touched on robotics briefly in the last section, but let’s explore this technology further. Robotics have long been a staple part of the hospital. However, we’re on the verge of something quite special. Even now, surgeons are using complex robotics to carry out surgeries. The doctor can stand in a different room, and control a surgical robot that will carry out the robotic assisted surgery. It’s a phenomenal leap into the future, and the applications are endless. One of the most exciting technologies is the invention of nano-robots. These devices will enter a patient’s bloodstream in order to diagnose illnesses. Service robots will also help clean the hospital and carry the linen. From the ground up, hospitals will soon be entirely robotized.

Telemedicine

Telemedicine is a simple extension of patient care that uses communications technology. For example, a patient can now have a consultation with their doctor from a remote location. Without leaving their home, a patient can have an appointment with their doctor, via video call. Telemedicine companies are growing rapidly, and it’s vastly improving patient care. It frees up beds in the hospital, and it’s less strain for the patients. With patient information stored online, they can even access their treatments from home. Many medical professionals are also now utilizing remote emr scribe services to help them streamline medical documentation, reduce admin costs and free up staff time.

Tissue scanners

Melanoma is one of the most common forms of cancer, yet it has an invasive diagnostic procedure. In order to confirm the presence of cancer, a doctor must perform a biopsy by cutting into a patient’s body. This surgical procedure takes up operating time, and leaves the patient with a large scar. However, this invasive procedure will soon change. Doctors can now use tissue scanners to locate the presence of melanoma in the skin. It will leave operating rooms free, and allow patients to walk out without a scar.

Pain-blocking implants

For decades, patients have suffered from migraines with almost no pain relief. Pills and tablets offer some relief, but it’s rarely 100% effective. However, doctors have now discovered the source of this chronic head pain. It’s linked to the sphenopalatine ganglion, which is a bundle of nerves that affect the face and head. Rather than opting for generic painkillers, doctors have created a pain-blocking implant. Inserted within this nerve bundle, patients are relieved of the most severe pain indefinitely.

Needle-free diabetes care

For those with diabetes, this new treatment is a welcome relief. In the past, patients would have to insert needles twice a day to provide insulin or test glucose levels. It carried a high risk of infection, and it’s a pain for those who are afraid of needles! However, the entire process can now be automated without pesky needles. A glucose monitor removes the need for drawing blood daily. Meanwhile, an insulin pump can help keep the blood sugar levels are the correct dose. However, we’re now going one step further. A new regulator now exists that tests the glucose level without drawing blood at all. It’s a big leap for diabetes sufferers.

The world of medicine is constantly pioneering new techniques, and pushing technology further. These treatments are just a few of the ways in which things are changing.