Its a good time to be human, considering the advancements made in the medical and health fields. The greatest of which have only been developed in the last 200 years of world history. In the 20th century alone, life-saving health achievements included immunizations and family planning. As well as control of infectious diseases and a greater understanding of safer and healthier foods.
In the 21st century, advancements in the health industry have to do with equipment designed to manage and improve human health. This news should make us all rejoice. Medical equipment is catching up with and being improved by technological advancements in many fields.
Medical device firms such as DeviceLab develop equipment for use by both health professionals and patients. These devices and tools are created with a focus on cutting running costs and also improving patient care.
Here are 4 outstanding medical equipment devices to be particularly happy about.
- Molecular Breast Imaging (MBI).
Mammograms often do not find breast cancer in women with dense breast tissue. Often, mammograms detection can fail in up to as many as 30 to 50 percent of women. According to a Mayo Clinic study, MBI was better at finding tumors than mammograms. MBI uses functional imaging that can pinpoint cancerous cell activity in dense breast tissue.
Molecular breast imaging is a way for women to receive breast cancer checks with low exposure to radiation. This technique uses imaging technology to examine and study a patient’s breasts. Patients are first injected with a radiotracer. This tracer shows up on imaging technology as a hot spot when it comes in contact with cancerous cells.
- Laser Surgeries.
The term Laser is actually an acronym for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. The development of this technology has given surgeons the ability to work precisely on small, sensitive areas. Laser surgery is known to be less painful and cause less swelling and scarring than other forms of surgery. Laser techniques differ based on the type of surgery and are commonly used for the following:
- tumors or precancerous tissue removal
- kidney stone removal
- detached retina repair
- vision improvement, also known as LASIK surgery
- pain reduction to nerve endings after surgery
- blood vessel cauterization
- lymph vessel cauterization
- cosmetic applications, such as wart and other blemish removal
- The Artificial Heart.
Different from a cardiac pump, the artificial heart is meant to be used to replace a damaged or malfunctioning heart. Early prototypes were made with the intention of keeping blood flowing during heart surgeries. Research and funding has now moved toward creating a fully implantable heart, meant to function for longer periods of time.
There is still a ways to go in creating an artificial heart that can fully do all that organic hearts can do. But progress has been made to that end. And many lives improved along the way.
- Bionic Prosthesis.
The first evidence of artificial limb use comes to us from 300 BC. Found in Italy, the limb was a bronze and iron limb made for an amputee who had lost his leg below his knee. In 1858, Douglas Bly created the first anatomical prosthesis leg. His invention came complete with suction socket, bending knee, and articulated foot. Advancements in this field continue to this day.
The history of bionics showcases one of the best ways in which well-designed machines can enhance and improve human life. Prosthetic limbs give congenital and other amputees a second chance at gaining mobility. Using an intricate webbing of vacuums, sockets, suspensions, natural joints, and mirroring human movement. Knees, legs, hands, arms, hips, and even sight can be regained.
What with the present rate of advancements in technology and improved information sharing, we have more to look forward to. And at the helm are those who design medical equipment with the goal of creating safer and more promising health care solutions for all.