When it comes to modern medicine, sometimes the most incredible advancements are found in the most unexpected places. Take, for example, industrial technology. In the fragile environment of the human body, anything “industrial” might seem like it would do more harm than good. However, with the right applications, many industrial technologies can be adapted to produce amazing results that can greatly improve patients’ quality of life. Here are a few ways the industrial and medical worlds continue to meld together.
3-D Printing
3-D printing was once a “wild west” field of sorts, encompassing some dreamers who said this technology would change the world. Now, they’re proving that revelation to be true, given the wide variety of applications in which 3-D printing can be employed. In the medical field, 3-D printing can be used to produce a wide variety of custom-made devices that allow a patient to have a much better prognosis. Devices such as artificial limbs, joints, and even organs are all able to be produced using various 3-D printing technologies. As this field continues to develop, it might occur one day that the replacements are almost better than the originals.
Robotics
While the world might still be waiting for a robot that can wait on you hand and foot, fascinating improvements in robotic technology are still occurring almost every day. When it comes to the medical field, advanced robotics does now and will continue to play a major role in complicated surgeries that put the patient at an advanced risk. After all, even the most experienced surgeon can make a mistake from time to time. When using a robot, however, the only limitations are the programming of the robot itself. Plus, as robotic technology becomes more widespread, robots will be able to be deployed to perform a variety of surgeries, even those that are simple and routine.
Laser Cutting
Lasers, though long used in medical treatments for procedures such as hair removal, are also now being used to create the tools and devices used in more serious medical treatments. Laser cutting allows for precise measuring and fabrication, meaning that everything from a specialized tool to a steel plate can be made with relative ease and a high degree of confidence. Since laser cutters can operate almost non-stop, these tools and devices can be deployed on a wider scale, thus lowering their costs and making them available to a larger number of patients.
Hands that Care
The best part about the adoption of various industrial technologies in the medical field is that it allows care providers to focus more on the patient than on the device being used to care for the patient. Customization helps ensure a perfect fit, meaning that caregivers can focus on the procedure to utilize these devices and on more deeply answering the questions asked by patients. With this personal touch and the advanced technology to back them, medical care continues to improve on a constant basis.