One area of medicine that has particularly benefited from technology is transplantation, with this field having developed rapidly. Technology such as bionic hands are already helping to improve patients’ lives around the world.

But what else can we expect to see in the future, and how will this affect healthcare?

1. Artificial kidney

A research team based at the University of California are currently working on an artificial kidney, which, by 2022, could replace the various functions of the actual organ.

Using nano-drilled silicon screens to filter toxins in the blood, this implant device is around the size of a baseball and does not require pumps or external power to function.

The artificial kidney is fitted with a bioreactor, which contains specially-engineered kidney cells to replicates the work done by our kidneys, including renal functions, and maintaining electrolyte balance.

2. Implanted artificial pancreas

Scientists are also actively exploring numerous variants of an artificial pancreas to treat patients who suffer from both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

There are various concepts currently being tested, including an implantable artificial pancreas that is able to monitor and adjust blood sugar levels, which is being developed by scientists at De Montford University.

By utilising a unique gel that responds to variations in blood glucose levels, this artificial pancreas adjusts insulin levels to meet the body’s needs at that time. When elevated glucose levels are detected, the artificial pancreas releases more insulin, while the device is also able to decrease insulin levels when needed as well.

3. Bionic eye

At the University of Washington, another research project is being undertaken to create a wirelessly-powered eye display, which will be used to both enhance existing vision and help restore lost vision as well.

Using micro-optics embedded in the patient’s lens, this bionic eye is able to project data into the line of sight. This device is being developed mainly as a treatment for macular degeneration, an age-related condition that can lead to complete loss of vision.

The bionic eye would treat this disease by spreading the incoming image across the still-functioning parts of a patient’s retina, providing a viable solution to a serious and growing condition.

4. Total Artificial Heart

SynCardia, a biomedical engineering company in Arizona, have managed to develop the world’s only commercially-approved Total Artificial Heart (TAH). This pneumatically-driven device contains two artificial ventricles and four valves, which pump blood through the body.

The TAH is made using a special biocompatible plastic, which stops the body from rejecting this implant. By producing pulses of air and creating a small vacuum, the artificial heart ensures the diaphragm is in the correct position to accept blood into the artificial ventricles.

This amazing innovation is already available, and treats patients suffering from end-stage biventricular heart failure, offering an incredible alternative to human donors.

While some of these technological innovations are currently available, and others are still in development, they demonstrate the innovative approaches currently being taken to treatment, and how bionic organs could revolutionise healthcare in the future.

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