Grey medical technology

Technology will Save our Minds and Bodies

Jeremy Grey

Technology #1: BIONICS What is it?

Electro magnetic technology to link brain electrical input Into real life movement(T. 2014).

How does it help? It helps amputees return back to their normal

lives by re-creating their missing limb, which they can control with their brain (T. 2014).

Example: Adrian Hoslet Davis as seen in the picture to

the right, DANCING! (T. 2014). From weekly learning session 7

PROS Gives amputees their abilities back.

Able to walk Able to hold objects

Helps amputees get back to their normal lives. Gets them back to work and enjoying life.

Versatile as anyone is able to use it that body part can now become anything you want. You are able to specialize the amputee body part to meet the needs of the activity weather that be running, rock climbing or even just walking.

CONS Upfront costs can be expensive

Not accessible to all those who need it

There are regular maintenance costs that come with prosthetics.

Can cause infections if not taken care of properly (Rossbach).

Technology #2: Cellular Therapy

What is it? Cellular therapy uses stem cells to

treat or prevent diseases. Stem cells are unspecialized cells

residing in our own tissues, which the body can turn in to the type of cell that it needs (Clinical Trials).

How does it help? Helps by bringing mobility back to

limbs and reverse/cure diseases.

Example:

BEFORE

AFTER(P. 2011)

• Helps patients get back to their normal lives

• Large amount of possibilities for healing

PROS

Still in the experimental phases

Retrieving bone marrow can be very painful

Procedures tend to be invasive

CONS

Technology #3: Automated External Defibrillator

What is it? A defibrillator that walks users through the

process of administering the life saving shock

How does it help? Shocks patients hearts back into rhythm if the

patient needs it (What Is an AED?) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V99-R1

2iCS4

Example:

(The Mikey Network)

Keeps heart beating in critical situations, which keeps patients alive while help is on the way

Allows blood to flow through the body and brain

PROS

Easy to use, walks users through process

Will not administer shock if not necessary

Might not always be in reach when its needed

Expensive upfront cost

CONS

Technology #4: Smart Pill GI Monitoring system

What is it? A pill-sized data collecting device swallowed

by patients experiencing stomach problems to diagnose their gastrointestinal issues.

Measures PH, pressure and temperature throughout gastrointestinal track (Motility Monitoring)

How does it help? Gives people who are experiencing

gastrointestinal issues a simple way to diagnose what is wrong.

Non invasive way to diagnose gastrointestinal issues

Avoids surgery

Easy to swallow

No recovery time

Patient is able to live regularly while the pill diagnoses the issue

Approved by FDA

PROS

Patient must fast for 8 hours before test Cannot eat 6 hours after ingesting the capsule Stop mobility altering medications 48 hours

before test Cannot use other prescriptions for the issue 7

days before the test which may cause discomfort.

Schedule return of data receiver Cannot be used by patients under 18 years old Risk of capsule retention May not work in obese patients

CONS

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion to my research I have found that medical innovation greatly depends on technology. At any point in our lives, complications can arise and we must depend on technology to save us. This strongly relates to technological determinism because as humans, we depend on technology for our medical needs. Some patients cannot continue living without the help of medical technology. In the case of AEDs, technology saves lives at very critical moments. On the other hand, medical technologies such as bionics do not physically save patients lives, but drastically improve patients' quality of life.

Works Cited:

T. (2014). New Bionics Let Us Run, Climb and Dance | Hugh Herr | TED Talks. Retrieved August 01, 2016, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDsNZJTWw0w

P. (2011). Spare Parts for Humans: Tissue Engineers Aim for Lab-Grown Limbs, Lungs and More. Retrieved August 01, 2016, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLFUEEs2ouM

Rossbach, P. (n.d.). Tips for Taking Care of Your Limb. Retrieved August 01, 2016, from http://www.amputee-coalition.org/inmotion/may_jun_08/taking_care_your_limb.html

Clinical Trials. (n.d.). Retrieved August 01, 2016, from http://stemcellfoundation.ca/en/toward-treatments/clinical-trials/

Motility Monitoring. (n.d.). Retrieved August 01, 2016, from http://www.givenimaging.com/en-int/Innovative-Solutions/Motility/SmartPill/Pages/default.aspx

28th Mikey Save At Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon - The Mikey Network. (2015). Retrieved August 01, 2016, from http://mikeynetwork.com/28th-mikey-save-at-scotiabank-toronto-waterfront-marathon/

What Is an Automated External Defibrillator? (n.d.). Retrieved August 01, 2016, from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/aed