Recent Groundbreaking Technologies in the Medical Device Industry

Advancements in the medical device industry are crucial to ensure that businesses are always looking to enhance patient treatments and improve the lives of patients worldwide. The expertise, skills, and innovation of the incredible people working in the industry have helped develop technologies transforming medical care. 

With this in mind, we thought we’d take the opportunity to showcase some of the most innovative technologies of recent times and their impact on advancing patient care. 

Artificial Hearts 

Artificial hearts have been created to replace or aid the function of a weakened human hurt. Primarily, they’re utilized as a temporary measure for patients who are due to have a heart transplant. They can also be a permanent solution for those people where a transplant is not a viable option. Here are two types of artificial hearts: 

• Total Artificial Heart (TAH): This artificial heart replaces ventricles and all valves. It is generally used for patients who suffer from biventricular failure. 
• Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs): These are used for patients with failure in one ventricle. Generally, left ventricular failure is generally more common, leading to the development of Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs). 

The Medical Device Companies Leading These Advancements 

Various medical device organizations are pioneering this technology to deliver life-saving solutions for patients with heart complications. Here are some examples: 

CARMAT 

CARMAT, a French medical device company, has created the Aeson artificial heart. This medical device is: 

• In the European Union, it’s commercially available as a bridge-to-transplant solution. 
• Engineered for hemocompatibility, pulsatile function, and self-regulation. 
• Effectively utilized to carry out transplants on 30 patients in 7 different countries. This includes 16 since early 2024. 

BiVACOR 

Based in Houston, BiVACOR is developing a next-generation total artificial heart to eliminate the need for biological transplants. Its features include the following: 

• Integrates centrifugal rotary pump technology with magnetic levitation (MAGLEV).
• It can be used for short-term and long-term implantation.

SynCardia 

Originating from Tucson, Arizona, SynCardia introduced the SynCardia Total Artificial Heart to the medical device industry. Here are some key points: 

• Across 20 countries, the device has been implanted in over 2000 patients. 
• It is available in two sizes, 50cc and 70cc, which are able to fit the majority of patients. 

How Have Artificial Hearts Impacted the Medical Device Industry? 

Artificial hearts are helping to revolutionize how heart failure is treated and saving countless lives in the process. Here is how it is transforming the wider industry: 

Market Growth and Economic Influence 

With the demand for cardiac devices increasing, it comes as no surprise that the artificial heart market has considerably grown. In 2022, the market was valued at $2.16 billion and is predicted to reach an impressive $7.31 billion by 2031. This represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.5%. 

Technological Developments 

These advancements in artificial hearts have acted as a trigger for further innovation. Some examples of this are: 

• Biomaterials: The CARMAT Aeson TAH implements biological valves and bovine pericardial tissue to enhance biocompatibility and mitigate thrombus formation. 
• Miniaturization: Developed by Daniel Timms, the titanium mini-heart is small enough to fit into a child’s chest and has power that’s capable of supporting an adult. 
• 3D Printing: By utilizing 3D printing techniques, researchers have developed a silicone-based artificial heart. 
• Magnetic Levitation: Derived from rocket systems technologies, the ‘aerospace heart’ operates using magnetic and fluid levitation. 

Is your business missing the skills and expertise it needs to drive the next generation of innovation? At Barrington James, we have a vast talent network, from regional sales managers to engineers, who are ready to put your organization at the forefront of advancement. Discover our dedicated medical device staffing page to see how we can support you. 

Robotic Surgery Systems 

Robotic surgery systems are transforming minimally invasive surgical procedures by combining several disciplines, including robotics, engineering, and medical science. They assist surgeons with elevated precision, control, and flexibility. This is made possible with the following components: 

• Surgeon’s Console: This is where the surgeon is situated and controls the robotic arms aided by a 3D high-definition view of the surgical site. 
• Robotic Arms: These arms take surgeons’ hand movements into accurate actions inside the patient's body. They’re capable of rotating 360 degrees and can emulate hand movements with increased dexterity. 
• Endoscopic Camera: A high-definition camera gives surgeons a magnified, 3D view of the surgical site. 
• Surgical Instruments: Specialized instruments are connected to the robotic arms to perform specific tasks like cutting, suturing, and cauterizing. 

Pioneering Companies Developing Robotic Surgery Systems 

Many medical device companies are continually redefining what’s possible with regard to minimally invasive surgeries. Here are some examples:

Intuitive Surgical  

Intuitive Surgical is considered the market leader for robotic surgery systems with its famed da Vinci surgical system. Its benefits include: 

• Smaller incisions (1-2 cm) result in less scarring and quicker recovery. 
• Up to a 30% reduction in postoperative complications. 

Medtronic 

Medtronic’s Hugo robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) system is a surgical platform developed to tackle cost and utilization obstacles in robotic surgery. It has the following features: 

• A modular design to enable a flexible setup with multi-quadrant access. 
• 3D visualization coupled with precise instrument control. 
• It’s portable, allowing for easy transfer between rooms. 

Stryker Corporation 

The Stryker Mako robotic arm-assisted surgery system is mostly used for joint replacement procedures. Key features of this medical device are:

• Surgeons can deliver tailored pre-operative plans by utilizing CT scans to create 3D models of patients’ joints. 
• Using the robotic arm improves precision and allows for more accurate implant placement. 
• Stryker is committed to driving innovation and recently updated the Mako platform. This included the myMako app, which allows surgeons to review surgical plans remotely. 

An Overview of Robotic Surgery Systems’ Impact 

Robotic surgery systems have changed the medical device industry by providing surgical precision previously unachievable by humans. These systems have influenced various disciplines and have resulted in the advancement of other technologies. 

Changes to Surgical Specialties 

Robotic surgery has impacted several other surgical fields, such as: 

• Urology: Reshaped procedures in prostate surgery.
• Gynaecology: Precision has been improved in intricate procedures. 
• Cardiothoracic Surgery: Minimally invasive approaches have been made possible for heart and lung surgeries. 
• Neurosurgery: Delicate brain and spine procedures demand extreme precision. 
• Colorectal Surgery: Allowed for complex rectal cancer surgeries with elevated visualization and accuracy. 

Patient Benefits 

Ultimately, improved patient outcomes are the desired result of medical device innovation. Robotic surgery systems contribute to this. Studies have demonstrated a 77% reduction in blood clots and a 52% decrease in readmission rates compared with open surgery. 

Diabetes Treatments 

Another notable advancement in the medical device industry is the improvement of diabetes treatments. These advancements have provided more effective methods for managing blood sugar levels. Here are some key examples: 

• Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM): CGM systems provide real-time data that can be tracked and allow patients more control over their diabetes management. Sophisticated models are more accurate and have an enhanced sensor life, helping to reduce the regularity of replacements. 
• Artificial Pancreas Systems: Sometimes known as hybrid closed-loop systems, this development has progressed to combine continuous glucose monitoring, control algorithms, and insulin pumps. They’re capable of automatically adjusting insulin delivery according to glucose readings, which improves glycemic control and decreases the likelihood of hypoglycemia. 

Companies Improving Diabetes Treatments 

Several medical device companies are working diligently to design and develop diabetes treatments. These organizations are dedicated to innovating technologies to improve diabetes management and elevate patient outcomes. Examples include: 

Abbott Laboratories

Headquartered in Abbott Park, Illinois, this company is considered a global leader in the medical device industry and diabetes treatment. Abbott Laboratories is renowned for its FreeStyle Libre Systems, which: 

• Sets the standard for CGM technology. 
• Reduces the need for painful fingersticks. 
• Is used by 6 million people worldwide. 

Dexcom 

Founded in 1999 and based in San Diego, California, Dexom develops FDA-cleared wearable devices that continuously monitor glucose levels. These CGM systems have many benefits: 

• Real-Time Glucose Readings: Dexcom CGM systems measure glucose levels as often as every five minutes, transmitting the data to a smart device or receiver. 
• No Fingersticks: The most recent Dexcom systems, including the G6 and G7, remove the need for regular fingerstick blood glucose testing. 
• Trend Analysis: CGM systems display current glucose levels and historical trends, enabling users to make data-driven decisions for managing their diabetes. 

Insulet Corporation

This medical device company specializes in developing, manufacturing, and distributing pioneering insulin management systems. Insulet Corporation is known for its Omnipod Insulin Management System, which comprises two main components: 

1. A disposable, tubeless, and waterproof insulin infusion device referred to as a Pod. 

2. A Personal Diabetes Manager is a handheld wireless device. 

Insulet’s latest contributions to diabetes treatments include: 

• Omnipod 5 Automated Insulin Delivery System: This system works with a continuous glucose monitor to manage blood sugar without frequent injections or fingersticks. 
• Omnipod GO: A basal-only insulin Pod that delivers a fixed rate of rapid-acting insulin for 72 hours for patients with type 2 diabetes. 

With its technologies, Insulet’s presence spans 25 countries, including North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East. Its objective is to make life easier for those living with diabetes. 

Exploring the Impact of These Technologies 

Spearheading innovation, creating new markets, and improving patient outcomes are some examples of the impact diabetes treatment has had on the medical device industry. In recent years, advancements have resulted in the development of medical devices that improve glucose control and the overall quality of life for patients. Here’s a closer at its impact: 

Development of Sophisticated CGM Systems

CGM systems have become more prevalent, creating smaller sensors with exceptional accuracy and extended wear times. Examples are:

• Dexcom G6: This system enables users to monitor glucose levels in real-time and shares important data with medical care providers. 
• FreeStyle Libre: This popular CGM system offers continuous glucose monitoring via a small sensor worn on the arm. It allows users to conveniently scan the sensor with a smartphone app to get glucose readings. 

Advancements of Closed Loop Systems 

Artificial pancreas devices couple insulin pumps with continuous glucose monitors to automate the delivery of insulin according to real-time glucose levels. These systems eliminate the need for manual adjustments, making diabetes management more precise. 

The introduction of artificial pancreas systems has shifted focus to more AI-powered solutions, allowing for automation and better glucose control. 

Wrapping Up Top Medical Device Developments to Watch 

This guide has covered some of the most groundbreaking technologies that the medical device industry has produced in recent years. Artificial hearts represent a pivotal point for the medical device industry. It demonstrates how innovation can provide life-saving solutions for patients. These advancements have reshaped cardiac care and supported progress in biomaterials, miniaturization, and magnetic levitation technologies. Medical device companies like CARMAT, BiVACOR, and SynCardia are committed to achieving incredible feats, making 2025 a potentially exciting year for the sector. 

Likewise, medical devices, such as robotic surgery systems and diabetes treatments, continue to develop. Intuitive Surgical’s da Vinci surgical system epitomizes how far the discipline has progressed. Similarly, Abbott Laboratories, Dexcom, and Insulet Corporation are continually finding ways to enhance patient care for those with diabetes. 

What will be the next groundbreaking technology as we head further into 2025? 

For further discussion concerning developments in the medical device industry, read our in-depth industry report ‘How Innovation and Talent Are Accelerating Medical Device Growth’

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Visit our dedicated medical device staffing page or contact us today to connect with one of our consultants. Together, we can shape the future of medical devices.