The beginning of the 21st century was marked by many medical discoveries, which 10-20 years ago were written about in fantasy novels, and patients themselves could only dream about them. And although many of these discoveries have a long way to go in clinical practice, they no longer belong to the category of conceptual developments, but are actually working devices, although not yet widely used in medical practice.
AbioCor Artificial Heart
In July 2001, a group of surgeons from Louisville (Kentucky) succeeded in implanting a new generation artificial heart into a patient. The device, called AbioCor, was implanted into a man who was suffering from heart failure. The artificial heart was developed by Abiomed, Inc. Although similar devices have been used before, the AbioCor is the most advanced of its kind.
In previous versions, the patient had to be attached to a huge console via tubes and wires that were implanted through his skin. This meant that the person remained confined to a bed. The AbioCor, on the other hand, exists completely autonomously inside the human body and does not need additional tubes or wiring that go outside.
Bioartificial liver
Dr. Kenneth Matsumura came up with the idea of creating a bio-artificial liver and decided to take a new approach to the question. He created a device that uses liver cells harvested from animals. The device is considered bio-artificial because it consists of biological and artificial material. In 2001, the bio-artificial liver was named Invention of the Year by TIME magazine.
A pill with a camera
With the help of such a pill it is possible to diagnose cancer in its earliest stages. The device was created with the purpose of obtaining high-quality color images in limited spaces. The camera pill can capture signs of esophageal cancer, its size is approximately the width of an adult’s fingernail and twice its length.
The iLIMB Bionic Arm
Created by David Gow in 2007, the bionic arm iLIMB was the world’s first artificial limb that features five individually mechanized fingers. Users of the device will be able to take objects of different shapes in their hand, such as cup handles. iLIMB consists of 3 separate parts: 4 fingers, a thumb and a palm. Each part contains its own control system.
Robotic assistants during surgeries
Surgeons have been using robotic arms for some time, but now there is a robot that can operate on its own. A group of scientists from Duke University has already tested the robot. They used it on a dead turkey (because turkey meat has a similar structure to human meat). The robot’s success rate is estimated at 93%. Of course, it is too early to talk about autonomous robotic surgeons, but this invention is a serious step in that direction.
A mind-reading device
“Mind reading” is a term used by psychologists that implies subconscious detection and analysis of non-verbal signals, such as facial expressions or head movements. These signals help people understand each other’s emotional state. The invention is the brainchild of three scientists from the MIT Media Lab. A mind-reading machine scans the user’s brain signals and alerts those with whom they are communicating. The device can be used to work with autistic people.
Elekta Axesse
Elekta Axesse is an advanced cancer fighting device. It was created to treat tumors all over the body – in the spine, lungs, prostate, liver and many others. Elekta Axesse combines several functionalities. The device can perform stereotactic radiosurgery, stereotactic radiotherapy, and radiosurgery. During treatment doctors are able to observe 3D-image of the area to be treated.
The eLEGS Exoskeleton
The eLEGS exoskeleton is one of the most impressive inventions of the 21st century. It is easy to use, and patients can wear it not only in the hospital, but also at home. The device allows standing, walking, and even climbing stairs. The exoskeleton is suitable for people from 157 cm to 193 cm tall and weighing up to 100 kg.