10 impressive new medical devices to close the decade
Key Takeaways
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.