What’s New in Medical Devices

An overview of novel medical devices, from an implanted simulator for better sensation of balance to robotic clothing and sensor-based asthma inhalers.

Vestibular Implant for Balance

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have adjusted a cochlear implant to stimulate the vestibular nerve (instead of cochlear nerve for hearing restoration) according to an external motion sensor’s electric signals. The signals bypass the malfunctioning parts of inner ear to convey information about the speed and direction of the patient’s head movements. The device was tested on eight volunteers and showed to improve walking, movement and orientation in space as well as reduce dizziness during those. At the same time, the patients reported hearing loss of a varying degree in the implanted ear.

Epidermal Patch for Biomarkers Monitoring

A stamp-sized stretchy skin patch developed at the University of California San Diego allows for the simultaneous monitoring of haemodynamic and metabolic biomarkers, such as blood pressure, heart rate as well as levels of glucose, lactate, alcohol, or caffeine. This is the first wearable device that can track both cardiovascular signals and multiple biochemical levels in a human body at once. Its applications may include monitoring individuals with diabetes, or detecting the onset of sepsis in ICU patients.

Robotic Clothing for People with Disabilities

A team at the University of Bristol demonstrated a new electro-pneumatic pump for soft robots, which may facilitate further development of assistive clothing with inflated artificial pneumatic muscles. Current electromagnetic pumps are complex and expensive, while the new pump is soft, bendable and low-cost. Wearable devices such as robotic clothing could facilitate movement for people with disabilities or muscle degeneration.