At any point of time, medicine has depended on prevalent technology for effective treatment. Whether it comes to probes, scalpels, thermometer, stethoscope or kymograph, tools and technology has always been integral to the success of medical technology for treatment. The use of electrotherapy machines in the 1800s and the invention of X-ray machines, pacemakers, ventilators and hearing aids have continued to assist physicians and medical care professionals in successful treatment. Read and know about some of the most important technological devices poised to become indispensable in modern medical scenario.

Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs)

These were designed out of an intention to assist quadriplegics and paraplegics use their brains to control the motion of computer cursors. Advances are being made to help BCIs get paralyzed limbs have function restored to them or manipulate robotic limbs. These days, companies like NeuroSky and Muse are into the production of wireless BCI headsets which can monitor alterations in the activity of brainwaves and assist wearers to improve their concentration. It is being hoped that this device will help in pain management, Alzheimers etc.

Robotics

The use of robots in surgical operations is a thing to cheer about in the modern medical technology for treatment. Since its debut in 2000, the Da Vinci Surgical System has carried out more than 20,000 operations. It is expected that service robots will come into the healthcare industry in early 2017 and assist in tasks like distributing medicines to patients, picking up soiled clothes and more. Each of these robots is designed to do as much work as 3 people with the expense of less than a single staff. In Feb 2012, the first ever commercialized robotic exoskeleton was released by Ekso Bionics to help paraplegics walk and stand without any assistance.

3-D Printing

3-D printers are able to create accurate, multidimensional models of affected areas within the body of patients. Surgeons can handle and inspect the models, followed by a simulation of different potential processes prior to going for an operation. The launch of 3-D printers in the market has been met with wide appreciation, and these are being experimented with constantly by medical in an effort to improve patient care significantly.

Google Glass

This wearable device comes with a head-mounted, optical display which can display information in a hands-free format similar to that of a smartphone. The technology is already assisting surgeons to stay hands-free and get instant access to reminders, vital information and checklists related to injuries. This will catch on even more in the coming years and will prove to be more assistive in saving lives and making work easier for surgeons. Surgeons can use voice commands to get checklists with important questions for paramedics even before an ambulance comes to the hospital. Google Glass has been discontinued.

Health Check Chair

It has been created by Sharp and comes fitted with a number of sensors to evaluate the vital signs of a patient and upload the information on Cloud for future reference by doctors. This type of chair is a marvel in modern medical technology for treatment and has been designed to be used by patients at home.