In recent years, there have been many emerging technologies in healthcare. Some of these innovations are still in the early stages of development, while patients and families across the globe are already using others.
No matter what stage of development they are in, all these treatments can potentially improve the lives of those affected by serious illness or injury. So, understanding these solutions lets you be well-informed about the available options. Here are some examples of these emerging treatments:
Proton Therapy
One modern technology that is already helping patients is proton therapy. It is a radiation treatment that uses protons instead of X-rays to kill cancer cells. This treatment is less harmful to healthy cells than traditional radiation therapy, which can help treat cancers located near sensitive organs.
Several clinical trials are underway to test the efficacy of proton therapy. In one, researchers have a 20-year investigation into whether proton therapy can help treat patients with varying types of cancers. The hope is that this type of radiation will kill the damaged cells while sparing the healthy tissue surrounding the tumor.
With significant advances in proton therapy, the healthcare industry is taking notice. Soon enough, this type of radiation might become the standard of care for cancer patients.
Robotic-Assisted Surgery
Robots are increasingly used in surgery to give surgeons more control and flexibility when operating. This technology is still in its early stages, but it has the potential to revolutionize how surgeries get performed.
One example is the da Vinci surgical system, a robot that assists surgeons in minimally-invasive surgeries. This system gives surgeons a 3D view of the operating area and allows them to make small incisions while seeing everything. The da Vinci surgical system has succeeded in various surgeries, including heart surgery, hysterectomies, and prostatectomies.
Studies have shown that patients who underwent surgery with the da Vinci system had less blood loss, less pain, and a shorter hospital stay. As this technology continues to evolve, more surgeons will likely start using robots to assist them in surgeries. Thus, it leads to more patients getting the minimally-invasive procedures they need.
3D Bioprinting
3D bioprinting is a type of additive manufacturing that creates three-dimensional objects from biological materials. This technology can potentially help make artificial organs and tissues useful for transplants.
Currently, 3D bioprinting is used for making models of organs and tissues. These models can be helpful for medical research or for testing new drugs. In the future, this technology can help develop actual transplants for patients.
With more research and studies, this technology could one day create functional organs that can save lives. So, 3D bioprinting is a promising area of research with the potential to improve healthcare in the future.
Shockwave Therapy
Sound waves have been used for centuries to help heal the body. In recent years, shockwave therapy has emerged as a promising treatment for various conditions.
Shockwave therapy uses sound waves to stimulate the healing process. This type of therapy is non-invasive and can be done on an outpatient basis. Today, it’s widely known as an effective sexual dysfunction treatment, particularly erectile dysfunction (ED). The acoustic soundwaves treat the ED on a cellular level, leading to a natural and long-lasting solution.
This therapy is also developed in other conditions, such as joint pain, Achilles tendinitis, and plantar fasciitis.
Shockwave therapy is an emerging treatment that shows promise with its potential to heal a variety of conditions.
Stem Cell Therapy
This therapy is another treatment that shows promise for various conditions. Stem cell therapy involves using stem cells to repair or replace damaged cells in the body. It is being used to treat conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and Parkinson’s disease.
Although with its high cost, this therapy is widely available. It shows great potential to help patients with chronic diseases. Especially today, when the healthcare industry is under immense pressure to find new and innovative treatments, stem cell therapy is a treatment that shows great potential.
So, investing in stem cell therapy is a good idea for the healthcare industry. Thus, it helps improve patient’s quality of life with chronic diseases.
The above are just a few examples of the many emerging treatments in healthcare that show promise for helping patients with serious illnesses or injuries. With further research and development, these treatments have the potential to change healthcare for the better and improve patient outcomes. That said, it’s something to keep an eye on in the coming years. So, these are the emerging treatments in healthcare that you should know about.