Advanced electronic devices improves medtech

The medical electronics market is fast growing with technological innovations and progress in the PCB manufacturing industry. Increasing adoption of IoT-based sensors in healthcare equipment like cardiac monitors, diagnostic imaging apparatus, and implantable devices is one of the key factors for the rising opportunities in medical electronics. Integrating health trackers into smartphones has improved patient care and the overall fitness of consumers.

The success of electronic devices in the medical sector depends on certain critical aspects like the safety of the device, precise operation, consistency, and usability. To ensure that the electronic devices are of exceptional quality, medical PCB manufacturers must comply with industry standards like ISO 13485 (quality management systems), ISO 14971 (risk management applications), IEC 60601 (safety and electromagnetic compatibility), etc. A medical instrument is designed to assist healthcare professionals in diagnosing and treating the medical condition of a patient. Thus, meeting the performance requirements is mandatory for all electronic devices built for medical applications.

The required package size of the circuit is small to fit in an implant or a monitor. The connection density is extremely high, and the power requirement should be minimum. The signal transmission must be intact against external interference. The battery designed for portable devices should last longer. The challenges involved in the design and operation of medical equipment are many. But advanced electronic devices are effectively overcoming all these barriers and transforming the healthcare industry.

Advanced electronic devices for the medical industry
With the latest technological innovations, innovative electronic devices are introduced in the healthcare sector. There are stretchable electronic skins with multiple sensors that can be patched on a human body to monitor vitals like heart rate, blood pressure, etc. Ingestible tiny devices are used for the diagnosis of digestive tract-related ailments. Micro-miniaturized IC chips are inserted in the bloodstream to sense the internal requirements that can further assist in regulating drug dosages. Electroceutical treatment can alleviate pain sensations using implantable devices.

IoT sensors have enhanced the features of wearable devices and fitness trackers. As the devices can be connected to the healthcare system, continuous tracking of human vitals is possible now. Advanced hearing aids are designed to be tiny in size with minimal power usage. They have offered an excellent hearing experience to the user with smart connectivity support.

Robots are used in the health sector not only for assisting in complex surgeries but also as nursing robots, pharma robots, exoskeletons, and robot companions. This has effectively addressed staff shortages and sanitary requirements in hospitals. Robotic exoskeletons are used in the recovery phase to support patients in regaining mobility.

Technologies transforming healthcare services
The latest tech trends like artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and 3D printing have revolutionized healthcare services. There is a huge amount of medical data available for analysis due to the IoT sensors and system networks. Precision medicine is driven by such big data. We shall discuss the impact of these technologies on the health sector in detail.

AI and big data
AI algorithms are exhaustively used for data mining and treatment planning. This has helped in preventive healthcare and early-stage predictive analysis. Physicians can personalize the treatment plan for every patient by identifying the specific requirements using AI tools. Data analytics is beneficial in the research and development of drugs for new diseases. AI applications include digital consultations, health monitoring, surgical treatment, analysis of health plans, and many more.

Augmented reality and virtual reality
AR and VR technologies are enabling the understanding of surgeries and treatment plans for both professionals and patients. VR is used for the treatment of chronic ailments and in pain management. It is highly beneficial in training medical professionals for complex surgeries. AR enables disease simulation and improves patient treatment with better outcomes.

3D printing
The growing popularity of prosthetics and synthetic organs is due to 3D printing applications. It has amplified the ability to develop customized medical products at a reduced cost. Printing blood vessels, bio-tissues or pills is possible using this technology. It supports producing anatomical models for practicing difficult operations. This has boosted the success rate of surgeries. 3D printed tissue can be of immense value for burn victims’ recovery. If artificial organs can blend into the human body, then many patients waiting for organ transplants can be saved.

Telemedicine and remote care
Remote patient monitoring and real-time teleconsultation are possible with the support of communication devices and the latest technologies. Tracking and monitoring vital parameters is feasible. Medical data can be easily shared among service providers. This technology has increased the convenience and access to healthcare in rural areas. Follow-up consultations through telemedicine can save time and money for patients and improve service satisfaction.

Precision medicine
AI-powered big data and data analytics are significantly assisting in precision medicine services. Based on the individual lifestyle, environment, and genetic background of the patient, an effective medication and treatment plan can be prescribed. This strategy works well in the treatment of unusual genetic diseases. Personalized medication has brought satisfactory results in oncology treatment. It is extending into other treatment plans also.

Mental health
There is an increasing concern with people suffering from mental health issues today. The stress level is at its peak and psychological problems have become common in most people. Brain-stimulating devices are used to understand neural activities and improve overall mood by triggering certain neurostimulations. Health apps are developed to provide personalized guidance to people suffering from various psychological concerns. Going forward video games are expected to assist in the treatment of mental health issues.

Conclusion
Innovative technologies through advanced electronic systems are empowering the healthcare sector like never before. The increased connectivity, easy access to medical data, remote health monitoring, and fast recovery are all advantages of progressive electronic devices. Latest trends like Nanotechnology and genome sequencing will also influence medical treatments very soon. Tremendous growth is expected in healthcare services as the scope of AR and VR technologies is not fully exploited yet!