Author: GAURANG GARVIT
Published on- 18 October 2024

History of different Healthcare Technology

HISTORY OF DIFFERENT HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGY:

1. MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING:

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has revolutionized the diagnostic imaging in healthcare since its interception. Here is a detailed history of MRI to understand its development.

 EARLY FOUNDATIONS: 

• NMR DEVELOPMENT: The seed for the development of MRI was sowed with the discovery of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) in 1940s and 1950s. Physicists like Felix Bloch and Edward Purcell were awarded Nobel prize in 1952 for their work on NMR.
• MEDICAL APPLICATIONS: In 1950s, physicists began to work on the application of NMR in medical field. In 1970s, NMR technology was adapted for imaging purpose.

 INVENTION OF MRI:

• DEVELOPMENT OF MRI TECHNOLOGY: In 1971, Dr. Raymond Damadian, a renowned physicist and researcher, demonstrated that the cancer tissues have more NMR properties than healthy tissues. Therefore, he discovered the potential of MRI in diagnosis. In 1977, first full body MRI scanner was built by him. He named this ‘Indomitable.’
• FIRST MRI IMAGE: Dr. Peter Mansfield and Dr. Paul Lauterbur discovered independent techniques that enabled imaging through NMR. Mansfield worked on improving the quality and speed of imaging while Lauterbur worked on producing the first image of a living organism, which was a two-dimensional image of a rat.

 FIRST APPROVAL: 

• CLINICAL USE OF MRI: The first clinical MRI scanner was introduced in the early 1980s, and it gained FDA approval in 1984. Although, the first human MRI scanning was done in 1977 but the widespread application and adoption of MRI began after the approval in clinics and hospitals.

 

 

 

2. ORTHOPEDIC ROBOTS: 

 The history of orthopedic robots reflects significant advancements in technology, enhancing surgical precision and patient outcomes in orthopedic procedures. Here’s an overview of the development and evolution of orthopedic robots in healthcare.

 EARLY CONCEPT AND RESEARCH: 

• INITIAL RESEARCH: The foundation for robotic surgery began with the early research in robotics and computer assisted surgery.  Initially, the idea was not orthopedic robots but the advancement in robotics and computer-based system set the stage for future developments.
• ROBOTIC ASSISTANTS: Puma 560, which was among the first surgical robots around 1980s, their purpose was to assist in neurosurgery. These robots displayed the potential of robotic assistance in surgeries but were not yet applied to orthopedics.

  EMERGENCE OF ORTHOPEDIC ROBOTS: 

• EARLY ORTHOPEDIC APPLICATION: In 1990s, the first orthopedic robot started to develop. ‘ROBODOC’ developed in 1992 by DR. J.R.H.L. DE JONG was one of the first surgical robot designed for orthopedic purpose. It assisted surgeons in Hip replacement.
• FDA APPROVAL: The FDA approved ‘ROBODOC’ to use it for hip replacement surgery. This approval marked a significant milestone in the field of orthopedic surgery. The ROBODOC used 3D images of a patient which guided it throughout the surgery.

 

 

 

                 

3. ELECTROCARDIOGRAM:

 The history of electrocardiography (ECography, or ECG) in healthcare represents a significant advancement in diagnosing and managing cardiovascular diseases. Here’s a detailed overview of the development and evolution of ECG technology.

 EARLY FOUNDATIONS: 

• DISCOVERY OF ELECTRICAL ACTIVITY OF HEART: The foundation for the development of ECG was laid in the late 19th century, when scientists realized that heart generates electrical signals. Carl Ludwig, a German Physiologist, in 1842 recorded the first electrical signal of heart using capillary electrometer.
• FIRST RECORDED ELECTROCARDIOGRAM: A marvelous event took place in 1887, when Augustus Waller conducted Electrocardiogram for the first time using simple apparatus. By placing electrodes on skin, he demonstrated that heart emits electrical signal.

 INVENTION:        

• FIRST ECG MACHINE: In 1903, a Dutch physician named Willem Einthoven developed the first practical ECG. He named it ‘string galvanometer.’ This device allowed accurate measuring of the electrical signal from heart, allowing clearer readings.
• NOBEL PRIZE: Willem Einthoven got Nobel prize in 1924, for his contribution in the development of Electrocardiogram machine, in the field of Cardiology.

 

               

                   

4. ELECTRO CORPOREAL MEMBRANE OXYGENATION: 

 The history of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is a story of technological innovation and medical breakthroughs that have saved countless lives, especially in critical care settings. ECMO is a life-support technique that provides cardiac and respiratory support to patients whose heart and lungs are unable to function adequately. Here is a detailed overview of the history of ECMO:

 EARLY FOUNDATIONS: 

• DEVELOPMENT OF CARDIOPULMONARY BYPASS: During 1930s and 1950s, the seed for the invention of ECMO was sowed through the development of Cardiopulmonary Bypass machines. The Cardiopulmonary Bypass machine allows oxygenation & circulation of blood during heart surgery. Sir John Gibbon, who is credited to develop first heart-lung machine, performed an open-heart surgery using it in 1953.
• ADVANCES IS OXYGENATORS: Early Cardiopulmonary Bypass machine used bubble oxygenators. Which infused oxygen directly into the blood. This was a serious issue as it could cause damage of blood cells. There was a demand for more advanced technology.

 INVENTION OF MEMBRANE OXYGENATORS:  

• MEMBRANE OXYGENATORS: 1960s witnessed a new advancement in Cardiopulmonary Bypass machines with the introduction of membrane oxygenators. These allowed exchange of gases through a semi-permeable membrane. This was a safe method as it didn’t damage the blood cells. These allowed a safe oxygenation of blood outside body laying the foundation for the development of ECMO or Electro corporeal membrane oxygenation.
• FIRST EXPERIMENTAL USE OF ECMO: In 1960s, Dr, Robert Barlett and other researchers experimented the long-term use of ECMO in an animal model. This laid the foundation for the clinical application of ECMO in future.

 EARLY CLINICAL APPICATION:  

• FIRST SUCCESSFUL USE OF ECMO IN ADULTS: In 1971, a patient with severe lung failure was treated using ECMO. This was a massive success and demonstrated the potential of the machine in treating patients with severe conditions.
• FIRST NEONATAL USE OF ECMO: In 1975, Robert Barlett, used the ECMO machine to treat a newborn baby with Meconium Aspiration Syndrome. This marked the beginning of the use of ECMO machine, in neonatal care.

 

In the ever-evolving story of medical technology, from ECGs that listen to the heart's whispers, to ECMO machines that play life-saving DJ sets for failing lungs, and orthopedic robots that bring precision to a whole new level, one thing is clear: "Medicine has come a long way from leeches—now it's all about lasers, AI, and heartbeats on Wi-Fi." And just like our smartphones, these machines keep getting smarter... but unlike our smartphones, you actually want these to monitor your every move!

At SeekFactory, we understand that the history of healthcare technologies like MRI, ECG, orthopedic robots, and ECMO is more than just a series of breakthroughs—it's a roadmap guiding the future of medical innovation. By leveraging this deep understanding of technological evolution, SeekFactory is uniquely positioned to support the development and manufacturing of advanced healthcare solutions. Our expertise in providing end-to-end manufacturing solutions allows us to help healthcare brands seamlessly integrate cutting-edge technologies into their products, ensuring precision, quality, and scalability. As these technologies continue to evolve, SeekFactory remains committed to enabling the next generation of medical advancements, ensuring that healthcare providers can deliver the best possible care to their patients.

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