Over the last few years, the world has witnessed an explosion in tech-driven and research-based innovations reshaping the landscape in healthcare sector. The next wave of breakthroughs in this industry will be led by artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data and patient-centric care applications.

As experts work towards creating the medical technology of the future, here is a quick look at the top 10 recent innovations that has revolutionised the healthcare industry.

1. AI and machine learning

The world of healthcare is abuzz with AI-based methods, neural networks, and deep learning. Machines can sense, act with precision and learn to improvise. From diagnosing to treating disease, artificial intelligence can also reduce the physician’s burden and enhance patient experience.

According to a recent medical sector analysis by Accenture, the AI-led health market is set for an explosive growth and expected to touch $6.6 billion by 2021 in the United States alone. At the 2019 World Medical Innovation Forum, discussions revolved around dramatic AI-powered transformations such as AI-guided mammograms, AI-led real-time patient data collection such as blood pressure, heart rate and so on.

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2. Robotic surgery

Robotic surgery systems are minimally invasive and complete the tasks currently performed by humans with greater speed, accuracy, and lower resource utilization. Advancement in robotics now help us operate and treat illness previously considered dangerous. Carnegie Mellon University researchers have developed a miniature robot that can perform heart therapy treatments. Such machine-led robotic surgeries are already in practice for cancer treatment.

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3. Big data 

Ever since the launch of fitness bands and apps, the massive amounts of medical data is being stored in the cloud. From analysing a patient’s condition or looking for vital signs to creating cutting-edge treatment, big data is helping us observe patients closely. Personal technology that can monitor vital signs continuously and record health data comprehensively.

4. Blockchain

Technology is the holy grail of innovation and blockchain in medical sector is the next disruptive thing. Blockchain is basically a digital ledger which stores immutable records of data stored across a peer-to-peer network of personal computers called nodes. It is like a decentralized, distributed medical database which can be accessed and shared by authorized members. The strict regulations in healthcare industry, blockchain helps healthcare providers gain secure information in a short duration.

5. 3D-printing devices

The use of three-dimensional images has accelerated innovation in the medical industry. As of now, the 3-D technology is four primary fields:

• Replacing human organ transplants
• Replicating low-cost versions of surgical tools
• Speeding up surgical procedures
• Developing prosthetic limbs

Each year thousands knee replacement surgeries are completed using 3D-printing technology. It also allows practitioners to customise medical technology for tailored usage.

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A healthy and fit group of people of varying age do a lat stretch in a gym class setting, warming up their bodies for heavier weight lifting. Horizontal image with copy space.

6. Mobile health tracking

These are wearable devices that can track blood pressure, heart rate, and even monitor cardiac signs. Fitness gear and smartphone apps are also doubling up as mobile health devices to track health stats such as blood pressure, sleep pattern, physical activity, etc.

7. Biosensors and trackers

Right on the heels of mobile health trackers, come biosensors. According to the US National Library of Medicine, “Biosensors are analytical devices that convert a biological response into an electrical signal.” These are activity trackers that are placed in the corner of the room or attached to clothes and devices, monitoring health.

8. Virtual reality

An emerging field in healthcare, virtual reality has been hailed as the problem solver in training doctors, eliminating medical errors to a certain extent and also help patients manage pain in safe and simulated environments.

Photographer: Qilai Shen/Bloomberg

9. Pharmacogenomic testing

People respond differently to medication and drugs, thanks to the genes we inherited. Pharmacogenomics studies the role of genes affect the body’s response to certain medicines or drugs and help understand the perfectly tailored dosage of appropriate drugs.

10. Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a type of biological therapy that uses substances made from living organisms to fight cancer. It basically triggers the patient’s immune system to attack cancerous tumors. Immunotherapy has revolutionised the way we treat cancer, particularly solid-tumors. With advances made in immunotherapy, patients can live longer and fight cancer at lower costs.