Medical Device Technology That Saves Lives

Annual expenditure on medical device technology in the U.S. is around $150 billion. This is a large amount of money, but the devices save lives. Furthermore, thanks to medical device translation, the U.S. exports this vital technology around the world.

Glide Scope
Paramedics often attend patients who are having problems breathing. To provide help, they place breathing tubes down patients' throats. This is an awkward procedure. The risks include damage to the vocal chords.

The Glide Scope makes the procedure far easier and quicker. The device has a tiny video camera and monitor. As a paramedic inserts the breathing tube, he or she can see exactly where it is going. In this way, the paramedic can avoid harming the vocal chords and can ensure the tube is in position without delay. Paramedics who have used the technology report positive results.

Blood Pressure Management
Abdominal aortic aneurysms are a major cause of death in the U.S. High blood pressure can swell an artery in the abdomen. If the artery ruptures, it leads to uncontrolled internal bleeding. Because an increase in blood pressure can result in such a rupture, it's important to monitor the pressure, and therefore the size of an aneurysm, regularly.

The traditional way of doing this is with a costly CT scan. A cheaper and faster alternative is the Endo Sure Wireless A Pressure Management System. This takes a different approach to CT scans. Surgeons implant a tiny measuring device inside the patient. This device sends a wireless signal to a monitor. Doctors can then find out the level of blood pressure in the aneurysm sac. Knowing exactly what this pressure is can save lives.

The Endo Sure was initially tested in Argentina, Brazil and the U.S. Medical device translation helped ensure everyone involved understood the use of the Endo Sure and its potential.

Trauma Pod
A major issue facing troops in war zones is IEDs (improvised explosive devices). Soldiers wounded by an IED may bleed to death while their comrades transport them to the nearest field hospital. Although the trauma pod is still in development, it promises to be a remarkable piece of medical technology that helps solve this problem.

The trauma pod is a surgical field unit. Instead of human surgeons, it has robots. These treat soldiers immediately by staunching wounds and opening airways.

The robots in the pod also run CT scans. The scans provide information for diagnosis and further treatment. Surgeons in the field hospital control the trauma pod process remotely.