The technological advancements in the medical sector focus to increase the diagnostic accuracy, efficiency and ease the workload of the doctors. Here are few such devices and gadgets that could potentially help the doctors to set their footprints towards success.

Cancer Detecting Surgical Pen

The innovative cancer detecting surgical pens, called MasSpec Pen, which is yet to get WHO approval, can help diagnose the cancer tissues in seconds. It is a handheld diagnostic device and causes absolutely no damage to the target tissue, even at the microscopic level. This device greatly improves the speed and accuracy of tissue analysis. The tip of the pen is held against the target tissue for three seconds, wherein the pen uses a tiny amount of water to extract molecules from a person’s tissue. The water-molecules combination is then sent into an instrument to identify the molecular fingerprint of cancer to find out the health status of the tissue.

Medical Camera for Endoscopy

Medical cameras could be paired up with endoscopes for better diagnostic results. This possibility had been under research in in-vivo models and has yielded promising results. The device is compact and has potential to track the endoscope in the entire human torso. This tracking would help to guide the endoscope to the right place without using X-rays or other expensive methods. It can be used to investigate a series of internal conditions, more precisely to detect the sources of light inside the body, such as the illuminated tip of the endoscope's long flexible tube. The medical cameras are yet to be launched into the market and will be a crucial advancement in future for many healthcare applications.

New Optical Coherence Tomography System

The Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) system aids in detailed imaging of the eyes. It was introduced in certain ophthalmic applications over a decade ago and its scope has broadened since then. The new OCT system is an improved version and uses an electrically adjustable lens to focus the light at different depths, which allows imaging of the entire eye. This system is also incorporated with a newly commercialized swept light source, a laser that continuously changes wavelength very rapidly to improve the resolution and speed of OCT imaging.

Portable 3D Brain Scanner

The portable brain scanner, which is under research, could revolutionize the diagnostic imaging related to brain. The device is yet to be tested in different conditions before it is marketed. This device is portable, cost-effectiveness and non-invasive. It works by producing 3D images of the brain in minutes that helps the doctors to rapidly identify a haemorrhage or a clot. Admitting to the fact that every minute is crucial in brain injury scenarios, the potential of this device to use it in both hospitals and ambulances is an attractive factor.

Stimulator System

A wireless micro-sized stimulator device has been approved by the FDA, which provides a non-surgical therapy option for chronic lower back pain and leg pain. This device aims to eliminate chronic pain without the aid of pills and surgery. This device is implanted through a needle. The stimulator system is patient-controlled from outside the body with a wireless antenna. It is placed near the nerves causing pain and the patient is also allowed to operate it when relief is needed.

New Swallowable Sensor

A new swallowable sensor has been designed to help doctors detect and diagnose disorders and diseases of the gut. It is a pill-sized capsule with internal sensors and can withstand the harsh conditions of intestinal enzymes and stomach acid. The sensor captures the data of the intestinal gases and transmits it to a smartphone. The sensor can transmit the signals up to 140 mm. More research may be needed before it finds its way to the hospital diagnostic departments, as transmitting signals in individuals with fatty skin is a potential challenge for this new sensor.

Augmented Reality Glasses

Augmented reality (AR) glasses have been developed to enable surgeons in precisely identifying the location of lymph nodes and help in rapid removal of cancerous tissue. The AR glasses were found to be very comfortable and efficient during trials. These glasses can assist surgeons in removing tumours. The AR glasses were tested successfully in various departments of the medical sector with Urology being the latest addition. The researchers concluded that the AR glasses will certainly help in physician’s daily diagnosis but its application is currently limited in the surgical practices.

These technological advancements will certainly ease the diagnosis process and will ultimately improve the patient experience. With the end to technology is nowhere, the advancements are not limited and the medical fraternity anticipates more advances in near future.