Medical device manufacturers are continually innovating and using the latest technology to support the healthcare industry, leading to improved patient care, accurate data collection, and much more. In this post, we’ll take a look at some groundbreaking innovations happening across the medical device manufacturing industry.
Emerging Technologies and Trends in U.S. ManufacturingSome of the emerging trends we're seeing in medical device manufacturing include:
Since the emergence of 3D printing a few years ago, a lot of discussions centered around how this innovative technology can help the medical field have taken place. When you consider the fact that the global 3D printing medical devices market is slated to grow at a CAGR of above 15% until 2028 [1], it’s easy to see that more and more medical device manufacturers are hopping on board this trend.
In the medical field, 3D printing can be used to create prosthetic body parts, medical implants and devices, and custom 3D-printed dosage forms and drug delivery devices [2]. It also comes with some pretty impressive cost- and time-saving benefits.
Smart implants take the trend of wearable devices a step further. These devices are equipped with sensors that enable them to communicate with smartphones, computers, tablets, etc., while being implanted in a patient’s body rather than merely worn on the outside. This is integral in facilitating real-time monitoring of patients’ health conditions, making it easier for doctors to provide accurate treatment and intervene as soon as something goes wrong.
The smart implants market is expected to reach a market value of more than $22 billion by 2023 [3].
As connectivity reaches new heights across the U.S. manufacturing industry for medical devices, the risk of cyberattacks increases exponentially. This puts hospitals and clinics at risk of losing sensitive patient information and data, falling victim to ransomware attacks, and even having life-saving devices hacked and shut down.
For these reasons, we are seeing a lot of focus in the medical device manufacturing industry being turned to cybersecurity and ensuring all of this new technology is safeguarded. This requires collaboration between device manufacturers, healthcare providers, and the government.
Another exciting technology that's changing the healthcare landscape in 2022 and beyond is artificial intelligence (AI).
AI is very valuable for the early detection of diseases and for confirming accurate diagnoses. One area it's been making significant strides in is breast cancer care, where it enables the review of mammograms to be 30 times faster, with 99% more accuracy. This is an important innovation to reduce the need for unnecessary biopsies.
Artificial intelligence is also helping healthcare providers create more comprehensive treatment programs that help patients manage their conditions more effectively.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine (with a major push from remote patient monitoring) went from being a little-known-about luxury to a necessity. Now that the world has opened back up, telemedicine is still highly used among patients [4], particularly in mental health. In fact, the global telemedicine market is projected to grow from $68.36 billion to $218.49 billion by 2026. [5]
Telehealth, along with remote patient monitoring services, makes it possible for people in rural areas who don't have a specialist near them to get the specialized care they need. It offers consultations in the comfort of their own homes and without the need to pay for travel expenses or childcare. For providers, virtual healthcare reduces overhead costs and allows them to work more flexibly and see more patients.
If you’re excited to tap into the above-mentioned trends in medical device manufacturing, it’s important to find a reputable and experienced contract manufacturer versed in the latest technologies and production methods.
It’s crucial to partner with an FDA-registered company that meets all FDA and ISO regulations and certifications and has experience in the medical device field, due to the complexities of the industry and the expertise needed.
Some benefits you will enjoy when working with an FDA-registered company expert in the ins and outs of medical device manufacturing, like Sanbor Medical, include:
If you’re looking for a medical device contract manufacturer that is experienced in electromechanical and electrical production, Sanbor Medical can help. Contact a member of their team to see how Sanbor Medical can assist your manufacturing operations.
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