4 Best Healthcare Innovations in the Last DecadeNurse Key

[Image Source: Pixabay]

Medical science has come a long way in the last decade. Advancements in technology have vastly improved the lives of patients, as well as the working environment of medical professionals. But what are the best medical innovations over the last 10 years?

1. Surgical retractor

Surgical retractors have been around for a long time, but the last decade has seen an important innovation in these devices. Designed by Swedish innovator, Angela Spang, the Galaxy II is a lightweight instrument that has been a gamechanger in the field of surgery. The Galaxy II is self-retaining, therefore removes the reliance on operating room assistants having to hold things open. This not only frees up medical assistants to focus on more pressing tasks during surgery, it gives the surgeon themselves more control over the tension of the instrument and so avoids unnecessary trauma to soft tissues. Furthermore, these self retaining retractors are incredibly secure and have an adjustable light, allowing for improved visibility during surgical procedures. They can also be tailored to suit all patients and procedures, and are cost-effective for hospitals and medical facilities.

2. Internet of medical things

Smart technology has resulted in the rise of the internet of medical things (IoMT) in healthcare settings. The IoMT refers to the integration of healthcare and smart technology through online networks and has revolutionised the medical world. Activity trackers that monitor heart rate, smart thermometers, and blood pressure sensors are just a few examples of IoMT devices commonly used in healthcare.

These devices mean that health data can be shared faster than ever before and medical practitioners can monitor patients both remotely and in real time. Not only does this reduce costs and time within an overstretched system, it allows for better diagnostics and improved patient experience.

3. Lab-grown lungs

Many deadly respiratory illnesses, such as COPD and lung cancer, are difficult to treat and are sadly becoming more common. However, there might be a ray of hope. The start of the decade saw a huge medical breakthrough in stem cell research, when scientists at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston successfully grew a human lung in a lab.

The lab-grown organ, made from a pig’s lung, was successfully transplanted into another pig. Whilst the technology has not yet been imitated in humans, scientists have continued to work on developing research into lab-grown lungs. Not only could his incredible breakthrough give hope to many people with lung problems, it could also one day see the end of animal testing.

4. Printed prosthetics

New advances in 3D printing technology have given a new lease of life to people who wear artificial limbs. Prosthetic wearable body parts, such as legs, arms, and hands, can be designed via computer software and then created using 3D printers. These artificial body parts are lighter than traditional prosthetics, making them more comfortable for wearers.

Even more incredible, researchers have developed these prosthetics to have advanced motion controls, meaning that wearers can move them independently using a wireless neurotransmitter. It is hoped that this 3D printing technology can be used in the near future to create organs for transplantation.

Conclusion

The last decade has seen the rise of some incredible innovations in healthcare. Four particularly impressive medical innovations are the Galaxy II surgical retractor, internet of medical things, lab-grown lungs, and printed prosthetics.