The age of visiting a doctor on the top floor of a hospital, reaching out to a biochemical lab in ground floor then for imaging tests to another floor are soon to be a part of the by gone days. These are the days of wireless revolution and bluetooth technology.
Wireless medicine encompasses devices, products, and technology that allow doctors, patients, and caregivers to diagnose and monitor health conditions, manage treatment more effectively, and speed up communication, decision time, and intervention. Here are a few advancements.
The Vscan imaging device is a pocket-sized visualization tool that provides high-quality ultrasound imaging at the point of care. This hand-held tool uses high-quality black and white image technology and color-coded blood flow imaging in a device that weighs less than a pound. It can detect gallstones, cardiac problems, and numerous other issues. Image quality is equal to that of console ultrasound. Made by GE Healthcare. Image courtesy of GE Healthcare.
The Littmann® Model 3200 stethoscope has on-board recording capabilities that allow the clinician to record interesting sounds for review. Bluetooth® technology allows the clinician to wirelessly communicate in real time with a PC. The Zargis® StethAssist™, a heart and lung sound visualization software application, is included with the Model 3200. Also available is the Zargis® Cardioscan software, which automatically identifies suspected murmurs that would indicate echocardiography referral per guidelines jointly issued by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology. After recording the 4 main cardiac auscultation sites, the Cardioscan software can perform an analysis on the recorded sounds. Image courtesy of 3M Health Care
Airstrip Technologies offers remote, virtual real-time access to patients' medical data, with software tailored to individual specialties. Software versions are available for critical care, cardiology, obstetrics/gynecology, imaging, and laboratory. Airstrip Cardiology, for example, gives remote access to telemetry strips, EKG data, pulse oximetry, end tidal CO2 monitoring, and arterial pressure monitoring. The software reduces delays in making time-critical decisions when the physician is not present. Users can also access bedside monitoring data, including heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, and blood pressure, as well as invasive monitoring measurements. Image courtesy of Airstrip Technologies
The Zio™ Patch is a cardiac rhythm monitor that provides continuous monitoring for up to 7-14 days (significantly longer than a typical Holter). By providing a longer period of continuous recording, the Zio™ Patch improves the likelihood of capturing arrhythmias and provides for an equal or higher diagnostic yield vs other devices on the market. The Zio™ Patch is indicated for use in patients who may be asymptomatic or who may suffer from transient symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, light-headedness, pre-syncope and syncope, shortness of breath, anxiety, and fatigue. The waterproof single-use Zio™ Patch is 100% recyclable. The Zio™ Patch from iRhythm Technologies of San Francisco, California, won a prize in the General Hospital Devices and Therapeutic Products category of the 2010 Medical Design Excellence Awards. Image courtesy of iRhythm Technologies.
The Medtronic M-Link™ cellular accessory enables cardiac device patients to securely send information stored in their implanted devices to their clinics via the Carelink Network, using cellular signals rather than a land-line telephone. Results from Medtronic's CONNECT (Clinical Evaluation of Remote Notification to Reduce Time to Clinical Decision) trial showed the cardiac resynchronization therapy device and implantable cardioverter defibrillator patients monitored through the Carelink Network had a significant reduction in time from clinical event to clinical decision and also had shorter hospital stays and reduced costs per hospitalization. Image courtesy of Medtronic.
0 comments:
Post a Comment