By: Kanedra Thaxton
(Image Credit: https://www.asme.org/engineering-topics/articles/bioengineering/top-5-medical-technology-innovations)
According to ASME.org, companies are focusing on producing more efficient products for patient care. One of the five recent innovations is the Sapien Transcatherter Aorotic Valve. It is a life saving alternative method for open- heart surgery (MacRae number 5). The Sapien valve is meant for patients who need a new valve in their hearts, but their bodies are unable to endure the severity of the surgery operation. The valve is supposed be a more simple procedure than open- heart surgery and require less amount of time spent at the hospital for recovery. Currently, it is available in the United States but only to the patients who absolutely need it.
This technological advancement is a great tool. The picture above is a representation of the valve. I have noticed that the tool is extremely small. Usually when I think of heart surgery, I imagine immaculate tools and systems. However, the Sapien valve is similar to the size of a needle. Hopefully, this tool will be able to help the patients who cannot endure surgery. It seems like it is a better, more efficient replacement but it is a tool that inspiring medical students should pay attention to. Since this tool is smaller it may require more training to use it or they can help spread awareness about the Sapien Valve. There are many different advancements being used in today's medical field and it is important to stay updated. One day you might have to use the valve and it could help you in your future if you have background information about the tool.
According to ASME.org, companies are focusing on producing more efficient products for patient care. One of the five recent innovations is the Sapien Transcatherter Aorotic Valve. It is a life saving alternative method for open- heart surgery (MacRae number 5). The Sapien valve is meant for patients who need a new valve in their hearts, but their bodies are unable to endure the severity of the surgery operation. The valve is supposed be a more simple procedure than open- heart surgery and require less amount of time spent at the hospital for recovery. Currently, it is available in the United States but only to the patients who absolutely need it.
This technological advancement is a great tool. The picture above is a representation of the valve. I have noticed that the tool is extremely small. Usually when I think of heart surgery, I imagine immaculate tools and systems. However, the Sapien valve is similar to the size of a needle. Hopefully, this tool will be able to help the patients who cannot endure surgery. It seems like it is a better, more efficient replacement but it is a tool that inspiring medical students should pay attention to. Since this tool is smaller it may require more training to use it or they can help spread awareness about the Sapien Valve. There are many different advancements being used in today's medical field and it is important to stay updated. One day you might have to use the valve and it could help you in your future if you have background information about the tool.
Reference
MacRae/By Sharing and Leveraging Resources, MDIC May Help Industry to Be Better Equipped to Bring Safe and Effective Medical Devices to Market More Quickly and at a Lower Cost," Says Jeffrey Shuren, M.D., J.D., Director of the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health., Micheal. "Top 5 Medical Technology Innovations." Top 5 Medical Technology Innovations. ASME, Mar. 2013. Web. 25 Sept. 2016.
<https://www.asme.org/engineering-topics/articles/bioengineering/top-5-medical-technology-innovations>
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