6 Key trends shaping the future of the medical device industry in 2022

The healthcare industry has seen significant growth ever since COVID-19. We have been experiencing a rapid technological change, especially for the medical device industry, in the shape of surgical instruments and surgical tools. The societal changes are more prominent now and thus have a massive impact on how healthcare is delivered. It suffices to say that the medical device industry is progressing by leaps and bounds as our knowledge about technological advancements speeds up.

The medical device industry is booming in 2022 with the rise of AI (Artificial Intelligence), 3D

printing in regenerative medicine, and increased robotics integration becoming common.

Therefore it’s about time we discovered and learned the key trends of the medical device industry that will provide the medical invention when necessary.

What is the medical device industry?

The medical device industry consists of medical technologies like articles, Electrosurgical instruments, apparatuses, and surgical machines used to diagnose, prevent and treat an individual's illness.

The United States has the largest medical technology industry, worth $156 billion! By 2023, it is expected to grow by $208 billion for medical devices.

This industry alone is responsible for 2 million jobs in the U.S as this country is home to 80% of medical device companies. Since the pandemic, the medical device industry has amplified to the point that there are more than 10,000 types of medical devices around the world now!

The value of the medical device industry

Can you imagine how healthcare practitioners must feel when they cannot help their patients? Before the advancement in the medical device industry, health authorities had to face overwhelming complexities but now the industry is evolving.

With the medical device tools, uncountable lives are saved, health can be improved and it also contributes to much sustainable healthcare!

Timely diagnosed information optimized the chances of the patient's improvement faster. In addition, the professional focus is not limited to in-person visits anymore. The advanced medical

technology industry has eased the pressure on healthcare providers big time in better taking care of their patients despite the geographical and time zone differences.

Healthcare institutions can function most cost-effectively with the highly sophisticated and technologically complex surgical tools and other modern medical devices.

Recovery is accelerated with advanced medical devices that even allow remote monitoring of people. Therefore modern medical technologies are supporting patients to live to their fullest.

Key trends in the medical industry to look out for

In the long term, the future of medical devices is more consumer-centric than ever. From a clinical perspective, the dramatic use of digital technologies displayed immense changes over the past year following the key trends of 2022 in the medical device industry.

1. The use of AI empowers medical devices

The continued rise of AI-based technology is helping in integrating medical device software. Imagine surgical instruments being transformed into point-of-care devices. Given telemedicine advancements, the risk of human-to-human interaction could be minimized with the right

AI-based surgical supplies.

New medical products are expected to be integrated with the latest machine learning and AI

more consistently to give better treatments.

2. Minimal invasive surgeries

It's a known fact Asia has the largest surgery market, which continues to grow by the day. Why? The major factor is the prevalence of a certain lifestyle, illness, chronic disorders, and of course, technological advancements.

Now patients undergo surgeries without the constant worry of open surgery or big incision. With the help of technological advancements, surgical tools like surgical scissors, surgical tweezers, etc., are being manufactured with miniature 3D printing and camera with microscopes.

The high-definition monitors offer a magnified view that has helped reduce risky surgeries into a matter of everyday treatment.

The continual innovation in surgical tools is a handful for the ever-expanding list of procedures with no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Several remote control surgical tools like arthroscopic or laparoscopic devices are used for smaller incisions to reduce scarring with minimal stitches and shortened hospital stays.

3. Remote patient monitoring

Also known as RPM is used to track a patient’s health post-procedure. In acute situations, modern surgical tools are useful to manage chronic diseases. The data collected through modern AI-based tools allow clinicians to use multiple metrics and keep a thorough record of weight, blood sugar, heart rate, and blood oxygen.

Remote patient monitoring means the patients are provided with wearable sensors, symptom trackers, and patient portals. It allows easy access to the required information. In case a patient shows any physical sign of distress in terms of their health, the required treatment can be provided without wasting any time.

Wireless medical devices are yet another great advancement example since the pandemic set upon the world.

Such medical devices can help patients stay connected to their healthcare providers via video calls and real-time data tracking of patients’ health.

4. Personal informatics

The patient’s health tracking and recording of the information are accelerating in most countries. Undoubtedly, smartphone apps have played a crucial role in keeping track of important health information. For instance, the calories consumed or the step completion per day are easily trackable these days.

Various IT companies collaborate with medical institutions to provide incorporated sensors and accelerometers to capture the data. All the user needs to do is log the information (first time) in the wearable devices, and so the process of tracking personal informatics begins.

Sensor technology has been a lot helpful for collecting the patient’s health information. Even the electronic biosensors, implantable sensing chips, and stress sensors are under development to capture multiple physiological functions of an individual.

5. Genomics advancement

The study of genes is known as genomics. Therefore as the AI rises, sequencing an individual’s genome will become cheaper and faster to the point it becomes an everyday procedure.

Advancement in surgical tools also led to advancements in genomics to better analyze and interpret the sequenced data.

Although it's quite challenging to maintain and store huge amounts of sequencing data, therefore the use of cloud computing and data compression is helpful. The collected data will also improve the human body's knowledge amid the pandemics and post-pandemic conditions.

The increasing rate of technological advancement plays a significant role in genetic sequencing. However, ethical and privacy issues will be maintained.

6. Personalized medicine

Can you imagine using surgical supplies to generalize the treatment and replacing it with customized preventative care? It’s all possible now, thanks to health data tracking.

Creating and storing digital information helps develop the genetic makeup and history, keeping track of the lifestyle and habits of individuals. One can now run forecasts to reduce health risks to prevent several health problems.

Therefore, the use of personalized medicine is bound to shape the future of the medical device industry to the point of improving personal treatments for patients.

Conclusion

Do not forget about the medical device industry's healthcare challenges. Modern surgical supplies are considered a luxury in underdeveloped countries. Despite the pandemic, the increase in population is questioned and demands better treatment. Besides, political interference can also be a huge factor behind the slowing of modern advancements in the medical industry for such countries.

Once the problems are addressed, every country, despite the hurdles, will have the opportunity to use affordable surgical and other modern supplies for betterment.