As futurists, we have constantly been exploring what the future of healthcare holds for medical professionals and patients alike for years. With the rate of […]

Pranavsingh Dhunnoo

7 min | 31 October 2024

Key Takeaways

Technologies that were only concepts some years ago are now real options to be used in healthcare practice.

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From wearable ultrasound to custom-made splints, we share a collection of 10 advanced healthcare technologies that are ready to be used in practice.

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As futurists, we have constantly been exploring what the future of healthcare holds for medical professionals and patients alike for years. With the rate of technological development, what were promising concepts a couple of years ago are now real options in healthcare practice. In this article, we share a collection of 10 advanced healthcare technologies that are ready to be used in practice.

1. Wearable ultrasound: handy, portable diagnosis

Back in 2018, we reviewed two portable ultrasounds, namely the Clarius and the Philips Lumify. Since then, the technology has progressed further to make them smaller and more portable. This has resulted in a wearable ultrasound system, developed by startup Sonologi.

Their technology provides automated, hands-free, continuous ultrasound imaging technology in real-time. The wearable, along with AI-powered analytics, provides clinicians with actionable insights to aid decision-making and improve patient outcomes. 

With such a device, patients can wear it while medical professionals view the imaging as it happens, and the AI software compensates for movement to maintain image stability. This can allow better and real-time assessments of cardiovascular health and heart conditions.

2. Assistive exoskeletons: reduce fatigue and injury risks 

For years, German Bionic has produced exoskeleton suits to aid manual workers in carrying heavy weights, especially in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and logistics. The company is now expanding its expertise to the healthcare sector with the Apogee+ power suit. 

This exoskeleton provides healthcare professionals with mechanical support to assist them in their day-to-day work on the ward. For example, it can aid them in lifting patients from beds and wheelchairs and can provide relief when working in unergonomic postures.

“Our improved Apogee+ exoskeleton brings together strength and intelligence in ways that directly benefit healthcare professionals,” said Armin Schmidt, CEO of German Bionic. “As the healthcare sector faces growing challenges with staff shortages and physical demands, the Apogee+ is a timely solution that improves worker safety, operational efficiency, and overall well-being. We are excited to support those on the frontlines of healthcare with technology that truly makes a difference.”

3. Virtual reality in the intensive care unit: helping patients feel better 

Virtual reality (VR) has found successful applications in various medical domains; and it is also proving beneficial in the intensive care unit (ICU).  The technology can help patients better manage the trauma of waking up in an ICU, help their recovery, or even help young patients to visit magical worlds while staying at the hospital. 

For example, the UF Health Shands Hospital in Florida has used VR headsets and noise-cancelling headphones to virtually transport ICU patients to remote beaches and hillsides. Researchers in The Netherlands have also employed the technology to walk patients through their current environment and how things work in an ICU. 

4. Mixed reality in the operating room: interactive medical scans

Mixed reality (MR) headsets offer science fiction-esque experiences by superimposing virtual, interactive elements onto the physical environment. This technology has practical applications in healthcare and can be useful in the operating room.

apoQlar medical has developed MR applications for surgeons, medical students and patients alike for years. Their VSI HoloMedicine software has been designed for surgical planning. It allows surgeons to interact with data from medical scans and real-life images of the patient. By transforming 2D scans into 3D holograms, the MR software helps surgeons better understand and interpret individual patient cases.

5. Robots in lungs: safer lung biopsies

Lung biopsies are crucial procedures for the assessment of lung nodules and for informing preventative measures in case lung cancer is diagnosed. Traditionally, such procedures would be undertaken from the outside but the risk of causing lung collapse can deter them from being carried out. 

Nowadays, we have the option to perform robot-assisted bronchoscopy to minimise the risk. With the help of a robot arm, physicians can take biopsies from inside the lungs rather than outside. The Cleveland Clinic Florida has been using such a system. This approach has been associated with fewer complications and improved diagnosis.

6. Robots in rehab: human-machine collaboration

Robots have inspired countless creative endeavours in the entertainment industry and their usefulness extends to the healthcare sector. Take for example Robert from Life Science Robotics, which the company terms as a co-therapist for physical rehabilitation of patients. By attaching the robot’s arm to the patients’ arm or leg, it helps move the joints and muscles according to a healthcare professional’s instructions. Robert memorises that instructed motion and can perform it independently as required.

Such functional training is key to the healing journey of the patient and to avoid complications. By automating it, the heavy workload for the therapists is significantly reduced. Such a collaboration means that robots are not replacing professionals but are enhancing their work while improving patients’ well-being.

7. 3D printed anatomical models: from medical education to preoperative planning assistance

Access to anatomical models is crucial for medical training and preoperative planning alike. For medical students, access to such models are often limited to teaching hours. Digital Anatomy Simulations for Healthcare, LLC (or DASH) addresses this need by 3D printing accurate and realistic anatomical models.

DASH prints a range of models from dental components to skulls that can assist surgeons in preoperative planning. Moreover, those models can also be used for patient education before they undergo a procedure.

8. Teledentistry: increasing access to dental care

Teledentisty enables dental care access remotely; thereby making the patients the point of care. This can increase dental care access for patients with special needs or the elderly in nursing homes.

DentalMonitoring offers remote oral observations through their AI-powered platform. Patients can take and send images with the company’s ScanBox app. These images are then analysed by an AI algorithm and sorts them for the dentist to consult.

9. Mixed reality in medical education: enhanced training

Another MR application in healthcare is in medical education. By displaying virtual holograms at will with a headset, the technology can ease the process of learning complex and challenging subjects such as anatomy or pathology. ANIMA RES has created MR models of human organs that can be viewed with an MR headset or even a phone.

While the technology is promising, the cost remains a barrier. MR headsets remain costly that only medical schools with adequate resources can afford. Nevertheless, ANIMA RES does offer some of its models for free that can be viewed from a smartphone.

10. Customised 3D-printed splints: a personal fit

Long-term splints are often worn during physical therapy or even for chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. However, the traditional ones might not be the most comfortable or offer a good fit. This can be an issue for patients if they need to wear them for extended periods of time.

Dutch company Manometric offers customised, 3D-printed hand braces and splints. By first scanning the patient’s hand, the company can create a personalised splint within a few weeks. The custom product promises to be more comfortable and impedes less on daily activities.

We hope that you have found this collection to be insightful. Are there any other advanced healthcare technologies that you have seen in practice and are not featured in this article? If so, do share them with us!

Written by Dr. Bertalan Meskó & Dr. Pranavsingh Dhunnoo