by Kristen Ingle, Staff Writer
Innovative biomedical technology that was once science fiction fantasy is now a reality. Technologically advanced wearable medical devices are now both affordable and widely available. The convenience and ease of these autonomous, innovative “wearables” enable patients with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, to have their medication and insulin levels monitored and controlled by their physicians. Other devices help manage pain and prevent cardiac arrest. What’s more, many wearable medical devices can now be controlled with an IOS-based device or smart phone app. Physicians use these medical wearable devices to more effectively and efficiently diagnose and monitor patient progress and health. Telehealth and virtual medicine allow devices to collect data and transmit it wirelessly to the physician who can then provide disease management and healthcare remotely.
Trends
Current market research projects 485-million wearable wireless medical devices will be sold annually by 2018. MDT Magazine estimates sales up to $53 billion worldwide, reaching 25-35 percent annual growth within the next three years.
According to Lars Uffhausen, Senior Technology Director of Innovation at Jabil, “…trends for wearable medical devices include cost reduction in developed markets, compliance with global legislation and the capability to penetrate developing regions". Additional trends include miniaturization, cross-market applications (smart phone camera modules for medical devices) and functional replacement (combining the function of two devices in a single device). Some experts project that by 2025 or sooner, patients will be able to print custom and personalized wearable medical devices on a 3d printer.
Research projects 485M wearable wireless devices by 2018.
Here at NextPhase, our highly experienced engineering team developed a reusable continuous blood glucose monitor in the form of a wearable medical device designed to detect and wirelessly report on diabetic blood glucose levels. Without the use of needles, the device uses an algorithm to accurately, continuously, and non-invasively monitor glucose levels which are then transmitted to any remote device or cloud service. The procedure is completed in 15 to 20 seconds with no noticeable pain or discomfort to the diabetic patient.
NextPhase recently partnered with PathMaker Neurosystems to develop a non-invasive, therapeutic, wearable medical device to treat neuromotor disorders using a patch for electrical stimulation. The MyoRegulator™ will create new methods for treating patients who suffer disabilities due to stroke, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injuries, Parkinson’s disease and other conditions.
NextPhase Medical Devices is at the forefront of innovation in the medical industry as a world-class developer of best-in-class wearable medical devices. We offer the in-depth technical, quality and regulatory knowledge needed to develop and manufacture state-of-the-art medical products including medical wearables and further offer the exceptional design, development, validation and contract manufacturing services needed to provide a complete concept-to-market solution.