Health and medical technology are among the most critical industries on the planet. It is constantly evolving as new and innovative products are introduced each year. In 2022, there will be some exciting developments in the field of medicine, including new technologies that have been perfected over time or are still being perfected today. This list is just a small sampling of what’s yet to come.
1. Precision Medicine
Precision Medicine is a term that refers to medicine that is customized for each patient. In other words, this type of medicine allows doctors and researchers to understand the unique genetic makeup of each person and then use this information to create more effective treatments.
For example, a cancer patient can be treated with medicine tailored to their unique genetic makeup. Personalized medicine is more effective than other treatment types because it attacks tumors based on a patient’s genetics, which causes gene mutations and makes them easier to destroy by medication.
2. Virtual Reality
Virtual reality (VR) simulates a physical presence in places in the real world or imaginary worlds. Users can interact with virtual characters and objects (which may be simple two-dimensional shapes or realistic 3D representations) and with other users.
In medical technology, VR has been used to simulate surgery for training purposes, such as at Stanford Medicine. Stanford’s virtual human model of its own hospital allows surgeons to rehearse complex procedures before actually putting them into practice on real patients. This has proven effective in helping surgeons make fewer mistakes during operating room procedures.
VR therapy has also been shown to help treat anxiety disorders by recreating stressful situations—like flying over an airplane wing—in a safe space where patients can get used to the feeling of being scared without any actual danger involved.
3. Neurotechnology
Neurotechnology is the application of neuroscience to develop devices that can interact with the brain. The technology is still in its infancy, but it is expected to grow rapidly over the next decade.
Examples of neurotechnology include brain-machine interfaces (BMIs), which allow computers or other machines to communicate directly with a person’s central nervous system. Other examples include brain implants that treat diseases such as Parkinson’s and epilepsy, and brain-to-brain communication, where one person’s thoughts are transmitted over an internet connection into another person’s brain (also known as “telepathy”).
4. Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a machine that can learn and think like humans. The technology has been used in healthcare for over a decade, but it’s still relatively new to the medical world. AI makes up just 8% of US hospitals’ budgets today.
Many of us know about AI from popular science fiction stories like Star Trek or Terminator, where robots take control and destroy humanity. But in reality, AI is helping doctors make more accurate diagnoses and treatment decisions daily. In 2022, many more healthcare professionals will rely on this technology because it speeds up diagnosis time and reduces human error when choosing treatment options.
AI can be trained to analyze patient data—such as symptoms, risk factors, and genetics—and help doctors make better decisions about which treatments work best based on each individual case they see at their clinic or hospital.
5. 3D Printing
3D printing is the process of making three-dimensional objects from a digital file. This technology can be used to make almost anything, from jewelry to cars, as long as there’s enough of an object to work with. It’s not just a cool technology you might find in industrial labs or art studios. 3D printing is changing how we make things, and it will continue to do so in the future.
In fact, you can also observe the use of 3D printing, especially in dentistry. This is a great way to create models, prototypes, and even finished products customized to meet your needs. Dentists can use 3D printing to create custom crowns and other dental work based on an individual’s mouth shape, size, and anatomy. It can even be used in cosmetic dentistry. For instance, dentists can use 3D printing in teeth whitening procedures to create custom-made whitening trays that fit perfectly into your mouth.
6. Laser Technology
Laser technology is the use of lasers in medical procedures. It has many medicinal uses, including removing unwanted tissue and treating skin conditions (such as warts), moles, and nevi. Laser eye surgery is also a common example of laser use.
Lasers can be used to treat cancerous cells through photo-dynamic therapy. A medication is injected into the body that makes cells more sensitive to light before being exposed to a laser beam of light. This process can also be used as a non-invasive treatment for precancerous lesions on your skin or cervix (the opening between your uterus and vagina).
The future of medical technology is exciting and full of promise. As we’ve seen, many new developments on the horizon could help doctors and patients alike. But even with all these advances in medicine, it’s important to remember that nothing can replace a doctor’s knowledge and experience in diagnosing and treating your illness or condition.
