Videos
Innovation and Start-Ups In MedTech
A Liberal & Labor Perspective on MedTech’s Future
Global Trends Impacting Australia’s Regulatory Landscape
DEVICE TECHNOLOGIES EMPOWERING MEDTECH WOMEN
Tuning Out the Tremors: How Deep Brain Stimulation Saved a Violinist’s Song
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]His doctor diagnosed him with essential tremor, a nervous system disorder that causes involuntary shaking, and recommended deep-brain stimulation, a treatment that uses electrical currents to interfere with brain circuitry causing the unwanted movements. The procedure involves drilling a hole in the skull to implant current-delivering electrodes inside the brain. Where the electrodes are placed in the brain depends on the individual patient’s unique tremor patterns. But, in Roger’s case, his tremor was so small that his surgical team could not determine the best placement location.
The team quickly pinpointed a fitting, yet unusual, solution: Roger would remain fully awake during the placement of the electrodes. He’d also play the violin throughout the surgery, so his doctors could assess the exact impact of each test location.
At the start of the surgery, Roger began his concerto, struggling to maintain smooth control of his bow hand. Doctors placed the first electrode lead, and Roger began to play better, but well below professional standards. Doctors asked if Roger would allow them to place a second wire, to which he responded, “Why not?” Doctors placed the second lead, and Roger began to play perfectly with a perfectly steady hand. When he finished, her heard a familiar, yet distinctly different, roar of applause.
Today, Roger says his tremor is non-existent. That is, when his electrodes are switched on. Roger has a small controller – he compares it to a garage opener – that allows him to turn the electrodes in his brain on and off with the click of a button. As long as his electrodes are on, Roger can play smoothly.
The MedTech community is committed to helping people like Roger live healthier, happier, and more productive lives. Roger says in the video, “I remain very, very thankful that I have had the opportunity to have had this surgery.” MedTech will continue to deliver innovative medical technology solutions – like Roger’s deep brain stimulation therapy – so that more patients can say the same.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Local Innovation and Collaboration With Baxter
Women in MedTech Leadership
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Stryker is one of the world’s leading medical technology company and together with its customers, is driven to make healthcare better. Stryker offers innovative products and services in Orthopaedics, Medical and Surgical, and Neurotechnology and Spine that help to improve patient and hospital outcomes.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
J&J ON THE HILL
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]J&J’s goal is to help key decision-makers better understand the company’s business and advance policy discussions around the healthcare landscape.
This year’s event coincided with debate around important reform to the Private Health Insurance sector that will impact on everyday Australian’s with health insurance.
J&J said it was pleased to have met with stakeholders from all sides of politics to advance the company’s arguments on how better to protect consumers and ensure the sustainability and values of Private Health Insurance moving forward.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
APPLE’S ANNOUNCEMENT GETS HEARTS RACING
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The much-anticipated new additions to the iPhone family were quickly overshadowed by Apple’s fourth generation Watch, aptly named Series 4. An already established leader in technology wearables, the new Apple Watch Series 4 has accelerated Apple’s long march into the health and wellness space with the announcements of its new capabilities.
Speaking at the Special Event, Apple’s Chief Operating Officer, Jeff Williams, described the new Apple Watch as an intelligent guardian for your health.
Williams highlighted a number of key features including the watch’s improved accelerometer and gyroscope which can detect when a user is falling and call emergency services if required.
“Fall detection is a feature that we hope you never need but it’s really nice to know it’s there” Mr Williams said.
As reported in Wired Magazine, “the feature that received the most applause was the electrocardiogram (ECG) using the new ECG app”.
Partnering with cardiologist and President of the American Heart Association, Ivor Benjamin, Apple was able to introduce an industry-first consumer wearable that boasts the built-in ECG. Through the new ECG app, users can opt to receive a heart rhythm classification within 30 seconds and a notification if an irregular heart rhythm is detected.
Users can export the data captured by the watch’s electrical heart rate sensor into a PDF report to be shared with health professionals for further analysis.
As consumer data continues to dominate the conversation around health in the United States and Australia, Apple’s latest achievement will likely herald a further shirt toward patient-centred care.
While the Apple Watch’s ECG capable app has been given the tick of approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the same technology will not be available in Australia as the device is yet to have approval from the TGA.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
