The 6 Most Exciting Medical Technology Breakthroughs Of Recent Years

The article discusses several emerging technologies in the healthcare sector that have recently undergone significant breakthroughs and are poised to have a major impact in the coming years. Key highlights include:

CRISPR and Gene Editing:

• Recent regulatory approvals and an increasing number of clinical trials demonstrate the transition of CRISPR from experimental phases to practical healthcare solutions.
• The approval of the first CRISPR-based therapy, 'Casgevy,' for sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia marks a critical shift from theoretical potential to practical application.

mRNA Vaccines:

• The rapid development and deployment of mRNA vaccines in response to the COVID-19 pandemic represent a groundbreaking moment in vaccine technology.
• The success of mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 has led to their exploration in other medical applications, including infectious diseases, cancer, and personalized treatments for conditions like advanced melanoma and breast cancer.

Telemedicine and Virtual Healthcare:

• Telemedicine has become a critical component of healthcare delivery, allowing remote patient care and extending the reach of healthcare systems.
• The accelerated adoption of telemedicine during the pandemic highlights the breakthrough in technology adoption, enabling virtual care and asynchronous telemedicine.

Generative AI Platforms for Healthcare Professionals:

• Generative AI has significant potential in healthcare, with the ability to interpret various inputs like text, voice, images, and gestures.
• Multimodal large language models could serve as central hubs, integrating information from various platforms such as radiology software, insurance handling software, and Electronic Medical Records (EMR).

Photoplethysmography (PPG) for Blood Pressure Measurements:

• PPG sensors bring a breakthrough in blood pressure monitoring, enabling continuous, real-time readings with sleek wearable devices.
• Wearables like the Akita smart bracelet and BioBeat smart patch use PPG for reliable 24-hour monitoring of blood pressure.

Artificial Intelligence to Streamline Administration:

• AI is playing a role in relieving healthcare workers from administrative tasks, particularly through voice-to-text applications.
• These applications transform spoken words into written records in real-time, allowing healthcare professionals to focus on patient interaction without the distraction of typing or scribbling.

The article emphasizes the transformative potential of these technologies, which have undergone breakthroughs in recent years and are expected to have a lasting impact on healthcare.