The medical device industry is a growing industry that is expected to grow. In the next few years, new products and technologies will be introduced in the medical device industry.

Medical device manufacturers are currently focusing on technologies that automate manual processes, leverage patient health data, and improve patient care in 2023.

A new wave of healthcare innovation is on the rise. As many new technologies and solutions powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and biomedical engineering emerge, the focus will also shift to physical and mental well-being.

1. 3D printing

The medical industry is rapidly adopting 3D printing technology due to its unique possibilities. 3D printing can have many medical applications, including:

● Create custom prostheses or "PROOF" non-implantables to assist with implants.
● Develop tools for surgical procedures
● Play custom organs
● Create custom orthodontics
● Create patient-specific surgical models for training

The ability to rapidly prototype allows manufacturers to rapidly create custom medical devices, bridging the gap between supply and demand. 3D printing can also be very cost effective compared to traditional manufacturing technology.

2. 5G Technology

Like many other industries, the healthcare sector relies on the fast communications provided by 5G technology. The high bandwidth of 5G enables healthcare providers to send large files such as x-ray images and other tests in collaboration with medical professionals spread across the region.

3. Artificial intelligence

The healthcare sector is turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to help in a variety of ways. AI affects healthcare:

● Process and analyze large amounts of data collected by medical devices
● Health monitoring of wearable healthcare providers
● Digital advice and monitoring
● Workflow automation and optimization
● Manage medical records
● Work frequently
● Predictive analysis to detect disease and the onset of medical conditions
● Support robotic surgery and virtual reality (VR).

Robot hands and human touch. Visualization or human intelligence technology concept 3d illustration. AI and machine learning (ML) are helping healthcare companies reduce costs, save time and improve the quality of patient care. Click here to learn more about artificial intelligence and its impact on medical devices.

4. Cybersecurity

As fast as technology advances, hacker skills and tactics have also improved. As a result, large amounts of health data are exchanged between many stakeholders including patients, healthcare providers, suppliers, and manufacturers.

In addition to privacy and security concerns, healthcare is increasingly relying on wearables and cloud-connected medical devices that are vulnerable to cyberattacks. Healthcare organizations rely on cybersecurity to protect patients and other sensitive data and devices from security breaches.

5. Genomic Medicine

Genomic medicine includes medical tools including in vitro research, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or recombinant DNA techniques. Then, using AI and machine learning (ML) combined with genomic data to tailor care plans specific to each patient. Devices that collect genomic data can help medical professionals understand various health conditions and provide faster and more effective treatment. Genomic medicine is used in oncology, cardiology, pharmacology, infectious diseases, cystic fibrosis and other conditions.

6. Immersive Technologies

Advances in medical imaging and video make it possible to obtain high resolution but still images. Immersive technology can overcome this limitation and provide physicians with first-class vision. Imaging technology enables medical professionals to see parts of the body that would otherwise be inaccessible.

Many healthcare facilities are now using augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (XR) to train staff and improve rehabilitation and patient engagement. Manufacturers also use these technologies to help improve product design.

7. Internet of Medical Things (IoMT)

The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) is a variety of medical devices and applications that connect various IT systems in health. 

IoMT is a collection of medical devices and applications that connect to health IT systems through an online computer network.

Wi-Fi-enabled medical devices enabling machine-to-machine communication are the foundation of IoMT. 

Visual monitoring using in-room IoMT devices allows patients to share their health data directly with their care providers. Many hospitals also use wearable devices connected to IoMT to track the vital signs and movements of their patients. 

Ultimately, IoMT tools and applications enable healthcare systems to improve operational efficiency, reduce medical costs, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

 8. Medical Robots

A trend in the medical industry is the use of medical robots. Robot-assisted surgery ensures that patients experience smaller incisions, experience less blood loss, and recover faster than traditional surgery. Hospitals and clinics often deploy invasive robots to clean up areas, allowing staff to focus on patient care.

The health system is also looking to use robots to help perform tests and other procedures in rural areas using telepresence.

9. Minimally Invasive Devices

Minimally invasive devices help medical professionals overcome many of the challenges of surgery, such as large scars, infection risks, and slow recovery rates. New devices and procedures allow surgeons to make small incisions for procedures such as laparoscopies, robot-assisted and endoscopies.

Manufacturers are beginning to incorporate tiny sensors into the tips of devices that provide real-time feedback, such as haptic vibrations, to surgeons. The use of minimally invasive interventions ultimately reduces healthcare costs and helps improve patient outcomes.

10. Wearables

This is an exciting area for our department. Advances in wearable technology have made it possible to use them for more than just counting steps. The following wearable devices can be used today in healthcare: 
 
● Monitor blood pressure 
● ECG monitoring 
● Biosensor 
● Check pressure levels 
● Sleep monitoring 
● Sleep apnea monitoring 
● Diabetes management

 
Wearable devices can provide healthcare providers with important patient information and other information in real time. They also help give patients a sense of control and responsibility for their recovery and full health.

Medical devices focused on today's healthcare challenges 

The medical device trends for 2023 focus on overcoming the challenges facing healthcare today. Healthcare systems are turning to AI to automate many manual processes, workflows, and analytics to prevent and treat conditions.

Cybersecurity is critical because it protects sensitive patient data and many of the modern wireless and IoMT devices that today's healthcare systems rely on. Virtual technologies and medical robots are changing the way surgeries are performed.

The explosion of wearables now provides healthcare providers with actionable real-time data about their patients remotely, improving patient engagement and outcomes.

By focusing on today's healthcare challenges, medical devices are helping pave the way for better healthcare tomorrow.