Healthcare relies on the use of a number of machines and devices in order to provide life-saving and improvements to patients.

Medical devices help both doctors and laymen to manage healthcare needs in a myriad of functions.  Complexity of these devices is as varied as the functions they serve.  Some of these devices can cost a hefty sum, but the reward is worth the price, especially when it means saving lives or improving the quality of life. 

The best example of a medical device that, through technological advancement, improves the quality of life, is a blood sugar meter.  Years ago, those suffering from diabetes had to draw blood in order to analyze if they were in need of an insulin shot or just to keep record of their blood sugar levels.  These days, electronic blood sugar meters measure blood sugar without requiring one to withdraw blood.  This advancement makes regular monitoring easier and more convenient.

Other medical devices used by the public that improve the quality of life, and in some cases save lives, include treadmills and pacemakers.  Treadmills found in homes, gymnasiums, medical offices or hospitals are used to maintain health through exercise as well as to test endurance of the heart and lungs.  Pacemakers allow those with irregular heartbeats to enjoy the peace of mind that accompanies the knowledge that their heart won’t beat too fast, slow or feature a dangerously irregular pattern.

Some medical devices are more complex; examples include machines such as incubators, ventilators and x-ray machines.  Incubators offer life to newborns who might otherwise have passed away shortly after birth.  Ventilators make it possible for a person’s lungs to operate when the automatic responses usually controlled by the brain aren’t reliable.  X-ray machines are one of many machines (such as MRIs) that allow doctors and even dentists to see beyond the outside to help diagnose internal complications. 

Medical devices can also be simple, such as surgical tables and lights.  These devices are necessary for surgical success; surgical tables are built at the best dimensions to allow surgeons to work on patients with more ease while surgical lights make it possible for surgeons to see clearly.  Imagine a surgeon working with a bedside reading lamp, or even a candle, instead. 

The use and advancement of medical devices is paramount to continued success in the field of healthcare.  Be it small, large, simple or complex, a medical device will help to save lives or improve the quality of living so that those with chronic diseases or conditions can enjoy life.