ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN THE MEDICAL DEVICE INDUSTRY

Artificial intelligence (AI) systems are designed to simulate human thinking capabilities in order to facilitate complex or repetitive tasks, often providing detailed new insights and allowing users to focus on other aspects of operations. AI programs possess the ability to acquire information, use logical rules to process data, form reasonable solutions based on known variables, and recognize and correct mistakes, making it possible for diverse industries to offer higher quality products and services.

These systems have opened up a world of possibilities within the medical device industry, such as enabling doctors to provide relevant and effective care more quickly. Here are some of the AI-supported technologies currently available and that are being developed for the medical field.

AI-OPTIMIZED MEDICAL DEVICES TODAY

According to a 2019 Accenture report, 79% of respondents agreed that technology was an important part of their health care management. Recent technical developments support this trend with new products for individuals, providers, and equipment manufacturers.

AI-assisted medical innovations offer health care consumers more control, options, and accuracy than previously possible. Several examples:

  • Diabetes patients (and their care providers) who would like a way to keep track of diet, exercise, and medications can take advantage of new developments like the One Drop system. A digitized glucose meter links to a mobile app to automatically record blood sugar results. Diary capabilities allow users to record exercise and food intake in one centralized place.
  • In the past, retinal imaging techniques that rely on Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) have been limited by capabilities to accurately interpret those images. This screening process becomes more difficult when attempting to visualize deep tissues. Some companies are confronting this issue with AI-assisted diagnoses. IDx manufactures a device that can detect diabetic retinopathy with a high level of accuracy.
  • AI is making medical manufacturing safer and more efficient as well. Some companies use AI in their production linesto collect and analyze data on defective items. If an anomaly is detected, this information is used to remove the product to inspect it further, enabling manufacturers to fine-tune processes or discover potential mechanical or programming issues.

SMART MEDICAL DEVICES OF THE FUTURE

Cleveland Medical named AI the second most critical medical innovation of 2019. This decision was based on the technology’s potential to reduce any barriers to high quality care by improving processes. These are some of the more notable research subjects slated for near future development:

  • Recent American Epilepsy Societytrials demonstrated a positive impact when AI-powered implants were used to reduce the frequency of seizures in epilepsy patients. The next several years’ technology developments seek to grant affected patients more control over their attacks without the need for additional drug therapies.
  • Sensor technology combined with AI capabilities is being developed to track vital signs and alert users of an impending medical emergency. These devices show great promise in improving outpatient programs while lowering the cost of administering care. Patients with high-risk factors for stroke, heart attacks, and other acute health conditions can seek medical attention before a critical emergency occurs.
  • Phillips Healthcare introduced the Intellispace Oncology softwaresuite at the 2019 Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society meeting. The AI technology integrates patient records in a timeline format with a user-friendly dashboard that allows doctors and other healthcare practitioners to easily and quickly access vital details.

With AI-assisted technology, medical researchers are finding new solutions to many of the medical field’s traditional challenges.

AI POWERS MODERN MEDICINE

While many of AI’s exciting contributions toward the medical field are under development, consumers and care providers have already started to make use of and experience its benefits. Medical device manufacturers continue to implement AI to create informative, reliable components, as well as to improve overall device production.

Astro Machine Works is proud to support the medical device industry with advanced CNC machining services. Extreme precision, no matter how intricate or detailed the design, is what sets us and our work apart. Contact us today for more information about our CNC precision machining capabilities and services for medical devices.

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