The medical industry and technology will always be closely linked. While many of us may think of gadgets and smart devices when we hear the word technology, take a moment to think of the technology that surrounds us in hospitals, dentists and clinics. Devices like X-rays and heart monitors are obvious examples of how technology is used in the medical world, but even things like mobile apps and computer databases are examples of how technology has positively assisted medical professionals. 

Throughout this article, we will focus on how technology could change the area of breast surgery. Whether for medical or aesthetic purposes, breast surgery has changed enormously over recent years. But this could be nothing compared to how it will change in the coming years. 

Advanced Imaging Through Augmented Reality

Augmented Reality (AR) is when our real worlds are combined with computer-generated additions. Often, this comes through digital overlays, which can be seen through a smart device or AR headset. The highly successful Pokémon GO game is a great example of how augmented reality was used in a novelty setting. 

The use of AR in surgery is still in its early days, with few examples of the technology being used by surgeons. In the future however, augmented reality could be used by breast surgeons to give patients a life-like simulation of the procedure they are about to receive. The same use case could be used to assist junior surgeons and doctors by providing them with safe learning environments that closely mirror real-world situations.

It could also be used to turn scans into more advanced 3D images that give surgeons a clearer picture of the patient’s insides, which could help identify tumours or growths at an earlier stage. 

Smart Devices

Smart devices are devices that are capable of interacting with the internet and/or other devices. Products like smart thermostats, alarms and doorbells have helped us to have more efficient homes. In the medical industry, we’re also starting to see smart devices more widely used, a trend that is showing no signs of slowing down.

In the future, breast surgeons may be able to insert smart implants into patients to give more accurate data around things like body temperature and blood pressure. This type of information can then be used to create a more tailored plan for the patient.

A particularly innovative advancement in this area has been the development of implants capable of releasing drugs into the body of patients. With continued research and development, surgeons and patients may no longer need to worry about what medication should be prescribed and when medication should be taken.

Remote Monitoring 

Following on from the previous point, it appears that any advancements in the world of medicine and surgery are shifting us towards a more remote world. Even our careers have become increasingly remote with the move towards working from home, and now the health sector is heading the same way.

Medical professionals will always need to be in physical contact with their patients to some extent. For example, a breast surgeon can’t perform a breast augmentation in Manchester without being in the same room as the patient.

However, remote tools could become useful when it comes to monitoring patients post-breast operation. Online consultations are already being used to save patients from travelling to a physical location, but technological wearables could take this one step further, allowing surgeons to receive instant access to important data around swelling and blood circulation in the same way smart watches and wristbands are used.

AI-Assisted Decision Making

Most advances in technology start out being used in novelty settings before making their way to more serious environments. Given that artificial intelligence is the term on everyone’s lips in the business world right now, we can expect the tech to disrupt the medical industry in the not-too-distant future.

AI is becoming particularly useful when it comes to decision-making, especially when supplied with accurate data. For breast surgeons, this could relieve pressure when it comes to putting together approaches to surgery and recovery for each individual patient. AI will be able to process vast amounts of data from past surgeries to suggest the approach with the highest probability of success. This could take into account things like the type of surgery, patient age, patient weight and so on.

Final Thoughts

There’s no doubt that technology will impact the medical world in the future, but it’s important that doctors, nurses and surgeons see this as an opportunity rather than something to be concerned about. After all, you only need to look to the past to see how technology has positively enhanced the industry. For breast surgeons, there’s a strong chance that their procedures will look very different in the coming years, with technology like augmented reality and artificial intelligence set to play a huge part in both operations and recovery. While we can’t predict exactly how technology will impact breast surgery going forward, it appears that the surgery industry as a whole is about to get safer and more efficient.