While the jury is still out on Elon Musk’s Tesla Cybertruck, we can safely say that 2019, and this past decade, have been years of peak technological innovation. This is doubly true for healthcare technology. Healthcare providers received myriad new technological tools to facilitate health and healing in ways we couldn’t imagine in previous decades. These are some of the hottest medical devices that debuted at the tail end of the decade. IN.PACT AV DCB Failing arteriovenous (AV) access points, particularly fistulae, have been the bane of existence for many patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The IN.PACT AV DCB, a medicated balloon device for prolonging the viability of AV fistulae, will provide some relief. The device, which recently earned FDA approval, helps keep AV fistulae open longer, which means ESRD patients using it will see fewer hemodialysis interruptions to repair these vital lifelines. Pear Therapeutics’ reSET Physicians can now prescribe FDA-approved smartphone use. But there’s a good reason for it. Pear Therapeutics’ reSET a first-of-its-kind prescription “digital therapeutic” for substance abuse disorder (SUD). ReSET, a smartphone app, is intended to be used in tandem with outpatient SUD treatment. It uses cognitive behavioral training to prevent relapses. The app also facilitates increased communication between patients and clinicians, allowing HCPs to monitor patient progress. CustomFlex Artificial Iris Patients with complete or partial aniridia now have a new option for the condition. Aniridia can be congenital or caused by trauma or illness. The CustomFlex Artificial Iris is an injectable replacement iris that is biocompatible and customizable to match the patient’s original iris. The CustomFlex material also controls light entry into the eye, restoring more normal visual function. HeartLogic Heart Failure Diagnostic Boston Scientific’s HeartLogic Heart Failure Diagnostic could prove to be a major lifesaver in the fight against heart disease. HeartLogic works in tandem with defibrillator devices. It gathers heart and respiration data to predict future cardiac events, allowing cardiologists to take a more proactive approach to managing heart failure. HeartLogic analyzes data such as heart sounds, thoracic impedance, respiration, heart rate, and activity, to detect early signs of worsening heart failure. CooperVision MiSight 1 Day Contact Lens MiSight is the first FDA-approved contact lens for children ages 8-12 that can slow the development of myopia. This is significant because studies have shown that children with myopia experience increased instances of detached retina and glaucoma later in life. Typical glasses and contacts correct blurred vision, but do not slow progression of myopia. Inspiris Resilia aortic valve Another matter of the heart, the Inspiris Resilia aortic valve is a new treatment option for patients with aortic valve disease. The Inspiris Resilia valve is a bovine-tissue based valve. Patients who receive it don’t have to take the extended courses of blood thinners typical of mechanical valve replacements. As an added benefit, the Inspiris Resilia features a coating that prevents calcium buildup, which is a common problem associated with tissue-based valves. Magtrace and Sentimag Magnetic Localization System Magtrace and Sentimag are a breakthrough system for sentinel lymph node biopsies in breast cancer patients who are undergoing mastectomy. Magtrace is a drug: a magnetic injectable tracer. Sentimag is a sensory probe used to pick up the injectible tracer once it has been absorbed by the sentinel lymph node. This in turn helps oncologists and surgeons determine whether the cancer has spread into the lymph nodes. Medtronic DBS therapy for epilepsy Medtronic DBS, which stands for deep brain stimulation, is a new treatment option for epilepsy patients who haven’t responded well to drugs. The device is intended for people who have about six or more partial-onset seizures monthly over a three-month period. The device uses implanted leads to stimulate the anterior nucleus of the thalamus (ANT), which is where seizures originate. The electrical impulses help to modulate the ANT. ProAir Digihaler The ProAir Digihaler combines albuterol sulfate, a bronhospasm inhaled beta-2 antagonist, with a digital inhaler that connects to a smartphone via bluetooth. This seems unnecessarily complicated, but is actually pretty cool. The inhaler beams information to the app about inspiratory flow, as well as frequency of inhaler use. Patients can then share this information with healthcare providers. Freestyle Libre 14 Day Flash Glucose Monitoring System The Freestyle Libre could mark the end of the finger stick for diabetes patients. Instead of having to check blood glucose levels the old fashioned way, patients can elect to wear a small monitor on the back of their arms. The monitor uses electrical impulses to monitor glucose levels. Patients can get a glucose reading by holding a reader up to the monitor. A smartphone app gives patients much of the same glucose data. Source
