Table 2 Selected technological trends found in the medical device industry. Rather than being uncorrelated, various trends actually strengthen each other, e.g. miniaturization supports both the integration in super-systems and targeted action
From: Functional technology foresight. A novel methodology to identify emerging technologies
• Minimally invasive technology (reduction in manual access, also in diagnosis) • Integration between diagnostic and therapeutic functions in the same medical device • Trend towards super-systems (e.g. echomyography = ultrasound scan + electromyography) • Crossover of solutions to other fields (e.g. cardioneurology) • Targeted action (e.g. substance delivery) • Elimination of human involvement (e.g. rehabilitative robotics) • Increase in the degree of segmentation of the active elements, or trend Mono-Bi-Poly (e.g. tools for the removal of organic materials) • Miniaturization of devices • Integration with genetic screening • Increasing importance of software for support to early diagnosis, image processing and interpretation, simulation of therapies, definition of therapeutic protocols |