Future Trends in Medical Device Technologies: A Ten-Year Forecast
Herman, W.A., & Devey, G.B. (Jan. 3, 2011). Food and Drug Administration, Center for Devices and Radiological Health.
http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/CentersOffices/CDRH/CDRHReports/ucm234726.htm
Abstract
From 2007 through 2008, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) analyzed emerging medical device technologies to identify major trends projected over the next 10 years. This anticipatory study was undertaken to support CDRH’s scientific preparation for upcoming generations of products. The project included a survey of both (A) CDRH technical managers and (B) a group of 15 non-FDA experts. This report details the results of that expert survey. Non-FDA participants included physicians, engineers, healthcare policymakers, manufacturers, futurists, and technology analysts. Six major technology themes were identified and elaborated as highly likely to prefigure medical device innovation over the next decade: (1) electronics technology; (2) detection, diagnosis, and monitoring technologies; (3) decentralized care technologies; (4) minimally invasive technologies; (5) synthetic organs, tissues, and combination device/biological and device/drug technologies; and (6) demographically oriented technologies. The predictions made within this thematic framework ultimately encompassed 24 technology areas; and, within those 24, 91 even more specific product groups. Among these predicted technology areas and products, high-likelihood developments were identified.