The novelty in the field of medicine is an ever-changing, ever-evolving work in progress. Day by day, medical equipment companies are working hard to devise ways to maximize the efficiency of their products. These products not only work better but also put a minimum financial burden on the healthcare setups which ultimately benefits the economy.
After all, FDA-approved medical equipment which is easy to install and use, works effectively, has a lower cost as compared to its competitive products, and has a longer lifespan basically has all that is needed to be an ideal medical instrument. Let us take a look at what are some of the latest innovations which have been introduced in the market by the leading medical equipment companies.
Cala Trio
Cala Trio, a product of Cala Health, is a non-invasive therapy that is designed as a digital wristwatch. It is intended to provide targeted therapy to patients who experience hand tremors. It works by detecting a tremor as a result of which stimulation is sent to the radial as well as medial arteries. This stimulation reaches the brain where the epicenter of tremors i.e. ventral intermediate nucleus responds by reducing the generation of further tremors.
VersaCross transseptal platform
VersaCross catheter is a product of Baylis Medicals, now a part of Boston Scientific. The product has a tipped pigtail wire designed by atraumatic radiofrequency and intended to be employed for accessing the heart for different purposes which include acting as a guide-wire or as a trans-septal puncture. Moreover, the VersaCross can also be used as an exchange rail to deliver therapeutic sheaths.
A physician taking the heart rate of a patient
Barostim Neo
Barostim Neo is manufactured and marketed by CVRx. It is an FDA-approved device that works by increasing the parasympathetic activity in cardiac patients thus reducing the sympathetic stimulations. The device is designed in a way that it can detect and electrically activate the baroreflex thus resulting in diminished symptoms associated with heart failure.
PureWick urine collection system
PureWick system, a product of BD, is the latest item that consists of a female external catheter employed for the collection of urine non-invasively as the name suggests. The system is essential for female patients who are experiencing urinary incontinence after a surgical procedure, pregnancy, or due to any other health issue.
FloPatch
FloPatch by Flosonics Medical is a wearable, wireless, and rapid Doppler ultrasound used for hemodynamic analysis which can be done within seconds. The device comes with an accompanying app that illustrates arterial blood velocity. Moreover, the device is also helpful in the quantification of heartbeat.
Conventionally used diagnostic methods
Venovo venous stent system
Venovo venous stent system is another latest piece of equipment from BD. It is particularly helpful for the treatment of patients diagnosed with symptomatic iliofemoral venous outflow obstructions. In such cases, the Venovo stent system works by managing the appropriate amount of flexibility, radial force, as well as compression resistance. The product is available in different sizes and varying diameters up to 20 mm along with the stent length up to 160 mm.
Eluvia drug-eluting stent system
Another product designed for cardiac patients is the Eluvia drug-eluting stent system by Boston Scientific. The product is intended to be employed for delivering the drugs into the peripheral artery. Moreover, the product is also capable of delivering chemotherapeutic drugs such as paclitaxel over a longer duration of time e.g. over a year. For this purpose, the drug to be administered is mixed with a suitable polymer such as Promus polymer which works by retarding the release of the drug thus generating a controlled-release targeted system.
LifeVac
LifeVac is a single-use, non-invasive, and non-powered emergency airway cleaning device. It is employed in patients who are experiencing airway obstruction and thus are in need of resuscitation. The device is to be put in the patient’s mouth and pressed. Resultantly, a vacuum is generated by the one-way valve which pushes the stuck object out of the airway. The LifeVac device can be used on patients with a weight as little as 22 pounds which means it is suitable for both adult as well as pediatric patients.
Conventionally used instruments for diagnosis
Endobronchial ultrasound bronchoscope
The endobronchial ultrasound bronchoscope by Olympus America is a medical device used for performing endoscopic procedures particularly those conducted during the diagnosis of lung cancer. The device, due to being compact, can approach hard-to-reach sites and perform imaging as well as sampling.
Tablo hemodialysis system
Outset Medical’s newest product called the Tablo hemodialysis system is a device designed to conduct dialysis at home. The device is equipped with a sensor-based automation system along with a touchscreen. It handles the water purification system and the dialysate production system in the same unit. When it is to be used, tap water, as well as an electrical outlet, is needed.
Conclusion
The latest improvements in the products designed, manufactured, and marketed by medical equipment companies are constantly keeping the flow of novel items going. Research and development of such companies, who have big aims regarding their medical equipment in terms of its consistent evolution, work day and night to solve the existing issues in the equipment and make an even better product. These modifications in the medical equipment not only provide good equipment to the consumers but also keeps the competition high among the competitors which is a necessity for an overall improvement in the medical products.
PhD Scholar (Pharmaceutics), MPhil (Pharmaceutics), Pharm D, B. Sc.
Uzma Zafar is a dedicated and highly motivated pharmaceutical professional currently pursuing her PhD in Pharmaceutics at the Punjab University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab. With a comprehensive academic and research background, Uzma has consistently excelled in her studies, securing first division throughout her educational journey.
Uzma’s passion for the pharmaceutical field is evident from her active engagement during her Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) program, where she not only mastered industrial techniques and clinical case studies but also delved into marketing strategies and management skills.
