The Future of Connected Medical Devices (Part 1)

As the world grapples with the challenges of providing universal and affordable healthcare, technology continues to play an important role in lowering the costs and raising the portability of much-needed diagnostic tools.  The emergence of new, low-cost devices – such as briefcase-sized ultrasound scanners and cell phone-sized monitors for vital signs – are giving the medical profession greater power to deliver better, most cost-effective patient care from virtually any location.

In a manner similar to what we’ve experienced with consumer and business technology, medical devices are also experiencing explosive next-generation growth by providing wireless connectivity for crucial diagnostic tools.  Remote patient data gathering, screening and diagnosis is redefining the very practice of medicine.  The development and adoption of these technologies is designed to reduce the burden on doctors, nurses, and other medical practitioners, while also giving patients greater control of their own health and promoting a more proactive approach to personal disease management and wellness.

Still, most medical devices remain tethered today.  A typical medical diagnostic tool has wired data collection sensors, and in turn, is connected to a PC and/or storage network, via another wired connection, likely USB.  Existing wired solutions for testing causes numerous challenges and issues for health care workers and patients alike, and can be both cumbersome and inaccurate if not properly configured and operated.