History of Medical Technology

One of the first medical device was the ophthalmoscope invented by a German scientist, Hermann von Helmholz, in 1850. The ophthalmoscope allows the interior of the eye to be viewed.

In 1855, Manuel García invented the laryngoscope, which uses a mirror to see the inside of the throat and the larynx.

At about the same time, Willhelm Roentgen, a professor of physics in Bavaria, discovered that radiation can penetrate solid objects of low density. This led to the invention of x-ray, which allowed physicians to view the inside of the body without surgery. X-rays became popular in World War II. They were used to diagnose pneumonia, pleurisy, tuberculosis, and to help doctors before surgery. The biochemical assay was also developed during this period to be used as a diagnostic tool for diabetes, kidney disease, anemia, diphtheria, and tuberculosis.

Technology also made a great impact on medical procedures and allowed for complex surgical procedures to be developed. In 1927, the respirator was introduced. In 1939, the first heart-lung bypass machine was introduced.

The origin of physical therapy can be traced back to Elizabeth Kenny, an Australia nurse, who used hot packs for treament of polio and muscle rehabilitation in the early 20th century. Hot pack procedures were shown to reduce residual polio paralysis from 85% to 15%.

20th Century to Present

The use of technology in medical applications has expanded tremendously in the last 50 years. The growth of medical technology in the past 50 years has exceeded all advances made during the previous 2000 years.

For instance, microscopic devices have evolved from an optic microscope to an electron microscope which allows three-dimensional visualization of intracellular space.

In the 1970s computer technology merged with medical technology. Medical researchers now use computers in all activities, ranging from performing complex calculations, storing medical records, to controlling instruments. Computers can now be programmed to perform robotic surgeries with great precision.

A key contribution to the growth of medical technology is the application of basic science and engineering. For instance, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an amazing engineering feat that brings physics principles into reality. MRI is now widely used for medical imaging.

Technology also makes great breakthroughs in improving quality of life of patients by providing prosthetic body parts such as artificial heart valves, blood vessels, limbs, and reconstructive skeletal joints.

Evolution of Medical Technology

Hippocrates (460-377 B.C) and Galen (131-201 A.D) were first physicians to document their patient’s process of healing to improve patient care. This completely changed how we viewed diseases. They were no longer some mysterious force that took so many lives. One could learn from how patients heal to improve treatment of the next patients. In other words, medical practice in ancient time was about gathering information and processing information.

However, the use of technology in medical practice did not start until the 19th century. For a long time, the practice of medicine was based on patient’s descriptions of symptoms not based on hands-on experience such as examination of a patient’s body. Not until the 18th century did physicians start to use manual techniques to diagnose patients and to study dead bodies.

In the begining of the 19th century, physicians stated employing medical technologies to diagnose and treat diseases. One of the first technologies is a Hutchinson’s device for measuring the vital capacity of the lungs. Another device is Herisson’s sphygmomanometer for blood pressure measurement.

In the first half of the 20th century, medicine was completely revolutionized with the explosion of the use of medical technology. Some of the medical technologies invented in this period were the thermometer, stethoscope, microscope, ophthalmoscope, laryngoscope, and x-ray. With these medical devices, doctors were able to see and hear parts of patient’s body such as lungs, and hearts.

Physicians in early 19th century mostly practiced general medicine, but development of specialities occured at a very fast rate. In 1930s, 1 out of every 4 doctors was a medical specialist. By 1980, 4 out of 5 doctors were specialists. More doctors became specialists because of the expanding knowledge required for diagnosis and treatments. Furthermore, medical machinery and equipment have become so complex and require specialized skills to operate.Private medical group and hospitals began to form as a result of more doctors becaming specialists.

Medical technology and specialization also increased the amount of data required to diagnose and treat patients. Medical records became an important document for retaining patient’s information. This lead to the need to organize, and store medical data. In 1969, 80% of employees in the medical field were non physicians. Technology also created a less face to face relationship between doctors and their patients.