There seems to be no end to the medical problems we face in today’s world. Fortunately there are very bright people working on innovative solutions to some of these problems. From AI improvements on existing technology to totally new treatments that may revolutionize the way we look at health care, the following companies should be commended for their tireless efforts to find solutions for these issues.
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In February 2021, the Food and Drug Administration approved Shockwave Medical’s intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) device, which repurposes the sonic technology traditionally used to break up kidney stones to safely remove calcified plaque from arteries. Traditional methods for plaque removal, such as high-pressure balloons and atherectomy using a small drill, can sometimes cause issues such as soft tissue damage or arterial wall perforation. Shockwave’s IVL device uses sonic waves to break up the calcium, allowing for low-pressure expansion of the artery and stent placement.
This technology has already made a significant impact, with 12,000 people in the United States undergoing IVL procedures in the first six months after approval. It has the potential to benefit the roughly 333,000 people annually who require stent placements due to calcified heart disease. Shockwave’s IVL device represents a safer and more effective solution for treating calcified plaque in the arteries.
Bolder Surgical recognized the risks and challenges associated with closing vessels in laparoscopic surgery and developed the CoolSeal Vessel Sealing portfolio to address these issues. The portfolio consists of the CoolSeal Trinity and CoolSeal Reveal, which minimize the thermal footprint of the instruments. The CoolSeal Trinity is a multi-purpose tool that serves as a sealer, divider, and dissector, while the CoolSeal Reveal is specifically designed for otolaryngology and head and neck procedures.
Upon its launch in January 2021, CoolSeal gained significant attention from both clients and the industry. This success was further demonstrated by the 43% year-over-year increase in sales in the first half of 2021, leading to Bolder Surgical being acquired by Hologic for $160 million. Hologic plans to expand the use of the CoolSeal suite and other products to OB/GYN specialists, further increasing the impact of Bolder Surgical’s innovative technology in the medical field.
DiscGenics under the leadership of CEO Flagg Flanagan and COO Bob Wynalek is working on a new therapeutic option called IDCT, which utilizes cells native to the intervertebral disc to potentially provide relief for millions of people suffering from low back pain. Their patented cell culture manufacturing process involves isolating cells from donated intervertebral disc tissue and creating specialized Discogenic Cells that are designed to address the specific environment of the degenerated disc. These cells are derived from, and have many of the same properties as, the precise cell type that they aim to regenerate.
DiscGenics hypothesizes that the Discogenic Cells will facilitate the regeneration of disc tissue and reduce pain caused by inflammation within the degenerated disc. This innovative approach holds the potential to provide a profound therapeutic option for those suffering from the debilitating effects of low back pain.
Eko had a successful year even before unveiling the second generation of its flagship AI-powered digital stethoscope/electrocardiogram, the DUO, in August. Within the first six months of 2021, the company’s sales of its stethoscopes and smart assessment software to medical professionals tripled its 2020 revenue. This growth was supported by the launch of the Eko Connect telehealth platform for physicians and the rollout of an educational app to help medical students and doctors interpret heart and lung sounds.
At the heart of Eko’s success has been the Eko DUO stethoscope, which uses AI to detect heart irregularities. The capabilities of the DUO were backed up by a Journal of the American Heart Association article in May, which demonstrated that the device had 90% accuracy in detecting murmurs. The DUO has played a significant role in the company’s growth and is sure to continue to make an impact in the medical field.
Vivos Therapeutics brings together dentists, physicians, and sleep disorders in its FDA-cleared device for treating sleep apnea. Doctors diagnose sleep apnea, while dentists provide patients with the Vivos Method, a treatment protocol that combines oral appliance technology with techniques for treating dentofacial abnormalities and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea and snoring. The Vivos Method has already been used by over 25,000 people, and in 2021 the company focused on expanding its reach with the introduction of VivoScore, a diagnostic technology that uses a single-sensor ring recorder to assess sleep quality and help patients begin treatment. This is a simpler process compared to the use of CPAP machines and other approaches.
These advancements excite us to no end, and we can’t wait to see what 2023 brings us in the way of advancements in the medical field.
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