Robotics have been used by surgeons for quite a while now. The first use of robotics in healthcare was the CyberKnife and Gamma Knife systems. These systems were noninvasive and were used to treat tumors, both noncancerous and cancerous, in very sensitive areas, like the brain. Laparoscopic surgeries were also done by the use of robots like the da Vinci robot.
Technology has come a long way, and we are seeing a rise in the use of robots in surgical and post-surgical procedures. They are also used to automate research and for disinfecting clinics and hospital rooms (which is incredibly important during the Covid-19 pandemic).
One of the newest trends in robotics is nanotechnology. Nanotechnology, otherwise referred to as microbots, are incredibly small robots, which can range from the size of a cell to 1 millimeter. Research and development of microbots have goals aimed at treating diseases, such as dangerous bacterial infections and cancer. One doctor from the University of South Wales (Australia) is developing a series of microbots that can enter human capillaries. The goal is to have them packaged in a pill, so the patient only needs treatment by swallowing a pill.
Technology is evolving exponentially, and within the medical device industry, there are many innovative and experimental developments being done. As always, no matter the classification of the product, a medical device will need to be regulated.
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