Clockwise from top left: Osso VR, Phonak’s Audéo Fit, Molli Surgical’s breast cancer localization system, and Esper Bionics’ Esper Hand were among 14 medical device innovations to make it into Time magazine’s Best Inventions of 2022. [Images courtesy of the companies]
For over 20 years, Time magazine has highlighted the 100 most impactful devices and ideas around the world. The list is compiled through nominations from the publication’s editors and global correspondents, with special attention to categories such as medical innovations, green energy and electric vehicles.
Time graded each nominee on a number of key factors that include originality, efficacy, ambition and impact.
This year’s list honored 14 medical devices, mostly from startup companies. Vicarious Surgical and Osso VR are some familiar names in the medtech industry that were recognized as some of Time magazine’s Best Inventions of the year as surgical robotics and virtual reality continue to gain traction in the industry.
Other notable devices on Time magazine’s Best Inventions list include a wearable walking cane for visually-impaired people that takes into account objects at head and chest level, as well as an ultrasound sticker and a pop-up patient isolation room.
Here are the 14 medical devices and technologies, separated into type categories, that were awarded Best Invention of 2022, according to Time magazine.
Patient monitoring
Patient monitoring devices had to become more innovative during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic, the FDA relaxed regulations on 21 types of remote patient monitoring devices for the duration of the pandemic to protect healthcare workers from exposure to the virus. Time magazine has named some patient monitoring systems as some of the best inventions of 2022. Ranging from wearable continuous stroke monitoring to a pop-up patient isolation room, here are five patient monitoring devices that are keeping physicians and patients safe and comfortable.
Mona bedside ICU patient monitoring and tracking system [Image courtesy of Clinomic]
Neuralert stroke detection wearable [Image courtesy of Neuralert]
XK300 remote patient monitoring system [Image courtesy of Xander Kardian]
Biotricity's Bioheart wearable heart monitor [Image courtesy of Biotricity]
Rediroom pop-up isolation unit [Image courtesy of Gama Healthcare]
Withings Body Scan digital scale [Image courtesy of Withings]
MIT's bioadhesive ultrasound sticker [Image courtesy of Felice Frankel]What are they and how do they work?
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Accessibility devices and technology
There are many devices on the market to assist people with health conditions and impairments. Recently, the White House announced that over-the-counter hearing aids would be sold at major U.S. retailers following an FDA final ruling that created a new category of OTC hearing aids. Those devices for the hearing impaired and many other accessibility devices for amputees and visually-impaired are some of Time magazine’s Best Inventions of 2022. Ranging from hearing aids to wearable walking canes, these devices improve accessibility and mobility.
Phonak's Audéo Fit hearing aids [Image courtesy of Phonak]
Esper Bionics' Esper Hand prosthetic [Image courtesy of Esper Bionics]
Sportsmate 5 mobility-enhancing exoskeleton [Image courtesy of Enhanced Robotics]
Ara wearable walking cane [Image courtesy of Strap Technologies]What are they, and how do they work?
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Robotic surgery, virtual reality and surgical systems
Robotic-assisted surgery is one of the hottest spaces in the medical device industry, while virtual reality is gaining traction as well. Companies like Vicarious Surgical are combining the two technologies to create one of Time magazine’s Best Inventions of 2022. From surgical robotics to breast cancer localization systems, here are three inventions labeled as the best of the year by Time magazine.
Vicarious Surgical's surgical robotic arms [Image courtesy of Vicarious Surgical]
Molli breast cancer localization system [Image courtesy of Molli Surgical]
Osso virtual reality headset [Image courtesy of Osso VR]What are they, and how do they work?
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