Connecting Devices for Better Healthcare

The integration of medical devices into hospital networks and the broader internet is significantly enhancing patient care and advancing medical research. From ultrasound machines to wearable blood pressure monitors and advanced knee implants, this network of connected devices is known as the “Medical Internet of Things” (IoT).

Market Growth and Predictions

According to Statista, the market for medical software related to IoT is expected to expand from approximately $93 billion in 2025 to about $134 billion by 2029. This surge highlights the growing demand for digital connectivity in healthcare.

Estimating Connected Devices

While the precise number of connected medical devices globally remains uncertain, healthcare technology expert Gregg Pessin of Gartner estimates that there are between 2.2 million and 3.3 million such devices currently in operation in hospitals worldwide.

Case Study: Detecting Lymphoedema

A notable example of innovation in this space is a device developed by Impedimed, an Australian healthcare technology supplier. This device allows for the rapid detection of breast cancer-related lymphoedema, a painful condition that can develop post-treatment.

Patients simply stand barefoot on this device, resembling a digital scale, and place their hands on a sensor platform. It utilizes low-level electrical currents to measure body fluid levels, allowing for lymphoedema detection in under a minute. The results are processed through cloud-based analytics and automatically uploaded to the patient’s electronic health record, enabling quicker intervention.

Improving Diagnostic Accuracy

Monmouth Medical Center in New Jersey is among the hospitals utilizing this technology, which has been accredited by the American College of Surgeons. Manpreet Kohli, the hospital’s breast surgery director, highlights the enhanced accuracy of the device compared to traditional methods. Previously, clinicians relied on measuring arm circumference with a tape measure—a method prone to subjective interpretation. Now, the Impedimed device can detect fluid increases as small as two and a half tablespoons, allowing for earlier treatment of lymphoedema.

Enhancements in Imaging Technology

In addition to early detection tools, advancements are being made in imaging technologies. GE Healthcare has implemented AI software to refine ultrasound images, providing clearer diagnostics. At St Luke’s University Health Network in Pennsylvania, this technology has enabled consistent imaging standards and reduced the need for on-site machine updates.

Remote Monitoring with Smart Implants

Innovations extend to smart knee implants developed by Zimmer Biomet, incorporating sensors from Canary Medical. These implants can monitor a patient’s movement and activity post-surgery, transmitting the data online. Surgeons can then analyze recovery metrics against a database of similar cases, leading to more informed post-operative care.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite the benefits of connected medical devices, experts caution against the potential risks associated with increased cyber exposure. For instance, a review at Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust in the UK identified over 9,000 internet-connected devices, raising concerns about cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

To address these challenges, the hospital established multiple networks, separating medical devices from general hospital IT infrastructure, thereby enhancing security while facilitating efficient data access.

The Future of Connected Medical Devices

There is a consensus among experts that while the expansion of connected medical devices will greatly enhance healthcare delivery, many devices are still underutilized or lack sufficient data to reach their potential. As Pessin notes, the healthcare sector is still in its early stages regarding the data collection capabilities of these technologies, indicating a promising future ahead.