Medical technology is playing an increasingly important role in redefining healthcare around the world. In 2024, the Medtech industry is becoming more complex, introducing innovative solutions that not only improve diagnostics but also increase access to healthcare. Below, I explore the latest trends that are shaping the future of medicine, highlighting how technology can support the work of specialists.

The future of the Medtech industry ​

The year 2024 is a watershed moment for digital medicine. Estimated at US$152.5 billion in 2020, the global Digital Health market is projected to reach a revised size of US$456.9 billion by 2026, growing by 18.8 per cent each year during the analysis period. New technologies such as IoT, robotics, AI, blockchain and mobile apps are beginning to shape new standards in healthcare. For companies in the industry, this means they need to innovate to compete in a changing market.

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Smart mobile devices (mHealth) - health at your fingertips ​

The first key trend in 2024 is the development of smart mobile devices (mHealth). There is an increase in the number of apps and devices that allow patients to monitor their health in real time, with a significant impact on better control and prevention. Mobile apps, such as MySugr for diabetics or Apple Health, allow patients to monitor their blood pressure, heart rate, sugar levels or sleep quality.

This not only affects patients, but also doctors, who have easy access to patient data, enabling faster and more accurate diagnoses.

IoT in Medicine - health in every device ​

The Internet of Things (IoT) is having an increasing impact on patient health monitoring and medical data analysis. In 2024, IoT in medicine will develop even further, enabling better monitoring of patients' conditions at a distance. Devices such as smart inhalers for asthmatics, implants to monitor the heart and even contact lenses that measure sugar levels in tears are just some of the examples that are currently being developed. For hospitals and doctors, IoT means access to real-time patient data, which can reduce emergency response times.

Robotic surgery - precision and less invasive procedures ​

Surgical robotics is the next disruptive trend in medicine. In 2024, systems such as Da Vinci will be further developed, enabling more precise, less invasive surgeries. According to the market research report "Surgical Robots Market by Product & Service (Instruments & Accessories, Systems, Service), Application (Urological Surgery, Gynecological Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery), End User (Hospitals, Ambulatory Surgery Center) - Analysis and Global Forecasts to 2026", The global surgical robots market is projected to reach USD 14.4 billion by 2026 from USD 6.4 billion in 2021, at a CAGR of 17.6% during the forecast period.

Surgical robots enable surgeons to perform complex surgical procedures with greater precision. They are primarily used in gynaecological, urological, orthopaedic, general, neurosurgical and other minimally invasive surgeries.

Growth in this market is primarily driven by the advantages of robot-assisted surgery, technological advances in surgical robots, the growing use of surgical robots and increased funding for medical robot research.

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Digital Medical Images (DICOM) - standards for a new era of diagnostics ​

DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) is a global standard used to manage, exchange and store medical image data. It enables interoperability between medical devices, PACS systems and software in medical facilities.

DICOM standardisation allows images such as X-ray, MRI, CT and ultrasound to be easily exchanged and analysed, giving clinicians access to uniform patient data. This fundamental tool improves diagnostics, simplifying collaboration and communication in healthcare.

Blockchain in medicine - security of patient data ​

As technology evolves, the need to secure sensitive medical data grows. In 2024, blockchain will find increasing use in medicine, particularly in the context of authorising access to and security of patient information. Blockchain ensures that patient data is secure, transparent and only accessible to authorised individuals.

The Global Blockchain in Healthcare market size is expected to reach USD 1189.8 Million by 2028, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 61.3% during the forecast period.

The rising cases of healthcare data breaches, threat of counterfeit drugs and increasing acceptance of blockchain as a service coupled with transparency and immutability of the distributed ledger technology are major factors fuelling market growth.

This technology has the potential to revolutionise the way patient data is stored and shared, while increasing patient trust in the healthcare system.

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The role of trends in the development of the Medtech industry ​

Medtech in 2024 is an industry that is constantly evolving with innovations that are changing the face of healthcare. Technologies such as mHealth, IoT, surgical robotics, DICOM and blockchain are not only improving the quality of care, but also bringing tangible benefits to doctors and patients. Companies that fail to keep up with these developments risk being overtaken by competitors. The Neoncube team is ready to support the implementation of these innovations to help Medtech companies maintain their edge in the market.