40 Trends in MedTech
The future is here With 40 years in business, ITL have developed a good eye for the next big thing in MedTech. It’s how we’ve grown to become a global leader in this sector. From Point-Of-Care diagnostics to high-spec wearables, this e-book illustrates 40 amazing technology trends that are shaping the world we live in now and tomorrow.
1
presents
40 Trends in MedTech
Point-of-Care diagnostics This tech will offer rapid results in non-laboratory settings to support more patient-centred approaches to healthcare delivery.
2
presents
40 Trends in MedTech
Continued rise of wearables From glucose monitors to exercise trackers, devices with a wearable component are among one of the fastest growing segments of healthcare and we’ll soon see more ground-breaking applications.
3
presents
40 Trends in MedTech
Surgical robots Robotic assisted surgery will allow doctors to perform more complex procedures with better precision, flexibility and control than before.
4
presents
40 Trends in MedTech
Virtual Augmented Reality Virtual 3D environments will be created to reflect real-life scenarios; allowing students to study virtually without limitations.
5
presents
40 Trends in MedTech
Microbots These nanometre sized robots generate an electric field allowing them to swim through blood and other bodily fluids. In the future these teeny-tiny bots could even be used to measure and monitor vitals.
6
presents
40 Trends in MedTech
LOC Technology Miniaturised devices that integrate multiple laboratory functions onto a chip no bigger than a few centimetres.
7
presents
40 Trends in MedTech
Mobile Apps We’ll see a rise in smartphone apps that assist with diagnosis, patient tracking and pharmaceutical interaction data.
8
presents
40 Trends in MedTech
3D Printing The advance of this process will transform manufacturing with bone, cartilage and even blood vessels being 3D printed.
9
presents
40 Trends in MedTech
Advances in prosthetics Materials such as Carbon fibre, Thermoplastic and Titanium will give prosthesis longer life, durability and greater comfort to amputees.
10
presents
40 Trends in MedTech
Digestible sensors Digestible micro-cameras will be able to capture images while travelling through the digestive system, opening up a multitude of diagnostics and monitoring possibilities.
11
presents
40 Trends in MedTech
Embedded sensors This will provide real-time data from sensors underneath the skin, tracking everything from temperature to muscle movements
12
presents
40 Trends in MedTech
Artifical organs One solution for the shortage of transplantable organs is creating artificial ones, many are turning to 3D printing – this will be further explored and developed.
13
presents
40 Trends in MedTech
Smart watches Tech-giants like Apple, Samsung and Phillips are all trying to create one watch that can monitor everything from heart rate to your sleep pattern; this race to innovate the number number smart healthcare watch will continue
14
presents
40 Trends in MedTech
Artificial intelligence AI is now woven into our lives at work and home, and 2016 saw major advancements in driverless technology, voice recognition and deep learning
15
presents
40 Trends in MedTech
Rise of Multi-Functional devices Future handheld medical devices that allows for self-diagnosis and can measure pulse oximetry, temperature, heart rate, ECG and other variables are where the market is heading next
16
presents
40 Trends in MedTech
Robotic healthcare assistants Meet the future of healthcare assistance; a friendly faced robot used to help care for patients
17
presents
40 Trends in MedTech
Intelligent clothing The clothes you wear could soon become as smart as the phone in your pocket. Should wearables become truly wearable?
18
presents
40 Trends in MedTech
Remote touch Gesture and motion controlled devices would measure muscle movements to control devices such as your TV, phone, computer without ever having to touch – this would particularly brings advantages for the lab setting
19
presents
40 Trends in MedTech
Bioelectronics The introduction of this sophisticated experiment using tiny implantable devices that change precise electrical signals in nerves to treat a range of debilitating chronic diseases.
20
presents
40 Trends in MedTech
Optogenetics Light-responsive proteins are allowing scientists to turn neurons on or off selectively with unprecedented precision – applications for this will continue to be research and realised.
21
presents
40 Trends in MedTech
Needle-free diabetes care Medical advances have seen a variety of alternatives developed in recent years including an artificial pancreas, patches, pumps – this will be a big focus for R&D departments.
22
presents
40 Trends in MedTech
Next generation DNA sequencing New DNA sequencing technology is revolutionising genomic research and could enabling an entire human genome to be sequenced.
23
presents
40 Trends in MedTech
Humanized Big Data Large amounts of data analysed by computers could be missing out on visual, empathetic or qualitative data trends, investments are being made into how to effectively use this data for new medical applications.
24
presents
40 Trends in MedTech
Solving Cybersecurity Threats Internet-enabled medical devices have increased exposure to hacking; more than ever manufacturers will have to evaluate and manage a new set of risks. New precautions and patient safely will be a focus.
25
presents
40 Trends in MedTech
Increased R&D Spending With innovation a key driver the medtech industry, firms will prioritise R&D in their next strategy and dedicate more revenue to R&D spend.
26
presents
40 Trends in MedTech
New Changes to EU Regulatory Requirements The revised Medical Device Regulation (MDR) puts stricter requirements on clinical evaluation and will require better traceability of devices through the supply chain.
27
presents
40 Trends in MedTech
Health Informatics MedTech companies will use this new tool to assess product acceptance, research clinical trends and predict future outcomes.
28
presents
40 Trends in MedTech
Data warehouses The end goal is to capture actionable data for the world’ heath analytics. Progression in this will be made in the near future.
29
presents
40 Trends in MedTech
Precision medicine This new approach for disease treatment and prevention that’s specific to the individual characteristics of each patient is growing and be will seen in more healthcare environments.
30
presents
40 Trends in MedTech
Nanotechnology Researchers are already using this technology for targeted drug treatments, imaging, wearables and implants. It will become more widely adopted and developed for further applications.
31
presents
40 Trends in MedTech
Telehealth / Telemedicine This method of enhancing healthcare delivery and support using telecommunications technologies will become form commonplace as NHS roll out programs. The value will be monitored over the five years.
32
presents
40 Trends in MedTech
Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) This new technology will acquire brain signals, analyse them and translate them to manipulate computers or other technology.
33
presents
40 Trends in MedTech
Patient-centricity Designing a service or solution around the needs of the patient will become a widely adopted process for many MedTech organisations.
34
presents
40 Trends in MedTech
Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) Enables clinicians to remotely monitor patients vitals, and will also help determine which patients have fallen or remain immobile for an extended period of time.
35
presents
40 Trends in MedTech
Collaboration between life sciences and device industries More and more partnerships will occur to commercialise research and we’ll see more collaborations between universities and medical companies.
36
presents
40 Trends in MedTech
Innovations in Light Sheet Microscopy A faster, less phototoxic technique has been created to provide true 3-D images. This technology is early stage and its potential will become realised.
37
presents
40 Trends in MedTech
3D X-ray Imaging New developments have already enhanced detail visibility whilst reducing radiation dose and this tech will continue to revolutionise medical imaging.
38
presents
40 Trends in MedTech
Block chain technology The potential to secure, own and access personal health data will be a big focus this year.
39
presents
40 Trends in MedTech
Liquid biopsies This new test is carried out on a blood sample to detect cancer cells that may be circulating in the blood. Potential for this medical test will be realised in coming years.
40
presents
40 Trends in MedTech
Multi-functional Radiology Researchers have developed software that can collect an infinite amount of data to create 4D images of organs. In 10 years time radiology will be significantly different from today!
www.itlmedical.com