Following our post on September 15th, 2021, even more medical devices and advances are being made despite the surge of the delta variant in COVID-19 pandemic. These advances include shortened rehabilitation via video games, at home endoscopies, and 4Degra for implants. Keep reading for information on all these new technologies.
International teamwork to develop video game style rehabilitation
The advancement of virtual reality (VR) technology is making it possible for collaborators from the University of Strathclyde and the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS), UK, and Europe to aid stroke, dystonia, and sport injury rehabilitation patients. This project, funded by the European Commission, this VR game created for rehabilitation is based on a level-based system that patients must complete to progress to the next level. This aids in improving upper body motor skills by improving wrist, arm, hand, and finger movement. Furthermore, this game can be adapted to each patients unique cognitive and physical impairments.
Loud1Design is heading the programme and a prototype controller for the game. Experts believe that “The outcome of this project will make the long recovery process more engaging while permitting the patient’s performance to be recorded accurately, allowing specific and measurable goals to accelerate rehabilitation time. We are all looking forward to the completion of the project, as it will provide a significant milestone for interactive technology in improving physical health and performance.” The collaboration between some many experts and fields means that such products will be even more inclusive and effective in their application. Saint James Hospital, Kinisiforo & NICOMED Rehabilitation Centre, and the Global Disability Innovation Hub are all providing patients and monitoring the progress of this technology, which will be tested shortly.
For more information click here.
At-home endoscopies!
To determine and monitor digestive issues you typically must visit the clinic for an endoscopy. An endoscopy is the process by which a tube is fed into the bowel to detect digestive blockages and even signs of cancer. However, now West Midlands 5G (WM5G), NHS Arden and GEM CSU, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, and CorporateHealth International are developing a pill-sized that could deliver a colon capsule endocopy (CCE) from home using telehealth services.
The pill camera will be provided in a 5G -connected Smartbox that can relay information to the medical professional remotely. This is in hope to reduce the nearly 187,000 patients on waitlists for endoscopies in the UK alone as of April 2021. This technology would allow patients to address symptoms sooner in a less invasive and private manner (all of which are inherent benfits of this new technology).
“James Cameron, chief operating officer at CorporateHealth International UK, added: “The key to success is working with such innovation-driven partners. This project helps create new technologies that can deliver digestive disease diagnostics in patients’ own homes. Trials, powered by our platform, will start imminently where technology and patient-to-clinician process evaluation will be conducted diligently to ensure the best possible outcome for all.
“After the evaluation period, we will be delivering a report on the findings from the patient trial group, analysing the effectiveness and safety of the at-home procedures and 5G connectivity.””
For more information click here.
4Degra resin for new implanted medical devices
4D Biomaterials announced the future release of 4Degra at the Med-Tech innovation Expo. They state that “4Degra offers medical device innovators unique advantages over existing degradable polymers, including improved biocompatibility, problem-free degradation and promising tissue regeneration properties.” MicroBio, as specialists in biocompatibility, find this particularly beneficial for the advancement and safety of patients in the healthcare system. By improving biocompatibility, you are ensuring that a medical device, especially an implanted one, is less likely to be rejected by the human body.
4degra can be formulated and tunes to deliver a wide range of properties, from soft and flexible (e.g., soft tissue indications) to strong and rigid (e.g., orthopedics). They hope to apply this new technology in the following areas:
· Orthopedic trauma
· Sport medicine
· Vascular and urinary health
· Soft tissue reconstruction
· Women’s health
For more information click here.
To stay up-to-date as there technologies are developed and, eventually, brought to market visit Med-Tech Innovation News.
