The digital health space refers to the integration of technology and health care services to improve the overall quality of health care delivery. It encompasses a wide range of innovative and emerging technologies such as wearables, telehealth, artificial intelligence, mobile health, and electronic health records (EHRs). The digital health space offers numerous benefits such as improved patient outcomes, increased access to health care, reduced costs, and improved communication and collaboration between patients and health care providers. For example, patients can now monitor their vital signs such as blood pressure and glucose levels from home using wearable devices and share the data with their doctors in real-time. Telehealth technology allows patients to consult with their health care providers remotely without having to travel to the hospital, making health care more accessible, particularly in remote or rural areas. Artificial intelligence can be used to analyze vast amounts of patient data to identify patterns, predict outcomes, and provide personalized treatment recommendations. Overall, the digital health space is rapidly evolving, and the integration of technology in health

Thursday, January 16, 2025

CES (Consumer Entertainment Show)

A Physician Goes To CES 2025: My Top 10 Takeaways



The Top 10

Now that I have returned to reality and had a chance to catch my breath, here are my top 10 overall impressions—medically related and general. 1. First, the numbers: The final statistics, courtesy of CES, are themselves pretty staggering. 4500+ exhibitors and 141K+ attendees, including 6K+ media. No wonder I’m worn out. The number of exhibitors and attendees was slightly up over last year.  

2. As expected, AI was front and center, everywhere, all the time. While many presenters went out of their way to establish that AI was becoming embedded in products and what we all do, just like the internet or electricity, you couldn’t tell it from the exhibit floor. The AI capabilities of every product were being shouted from the rooftops, whether AI actually had a significant role in what was being offered or not. We are not over the hype cycle in consumer products or in medicine by any means.

Ahh, the products. With over 4,500 exhibitors, it’s impossible to see even the tip of the proverbial iceberg when it comes to the products displayed. Here’s the thing, though. I would guess some 75-80% of the products displayed will never see the light of day again. They are just too experimental and pie in the sky to go mainstream, at least not yet. Some 15-20% of the products displayed do something that other, more established products already do. That leaves a small percentage of products that we will actually see in the marketplace. Why bother with the exhibit halls, then? It’s to see possibilities. It’s to see concepts and ideas. It’s to see products that may morph into products that actually do make it. What product did I see that I think may go mainstream? Eyeglasses that double as hearing aids. It is too a good fit between practicality and vanity to not work. One other end of the spectrum was the flying car that was touted as the first flying car to fit in your trunk. WTF? 


On the top future uses of robots is in hospitals, such as delivering food or pharmaceuticals from the kitchen or pharmacy and/or caring for sernors at home, allowing assisted living at @home. There was an increased emphasis on robots this year.   A few exhibitors displayed human-looking robots that could perform assembly line-type tasks. My guess is that a more efficient robot would be less human-looking and more practical-oriented. I don’t think we are beyond the cute stage for human robots quite yet.



Another thing I didn’t report on is quantum computing. I did go to several sessions and tried to get my head around it. (One presenter said classic computing is based on math, and quantum computing is based on physics. I sort of get it.) The best I can tell from all the presentations is that quantum computers will be supercomputers that exponentially increase what can now be done by classic computers. But most agree the technology is not yet far enough along to know precisely what applications can be developed to work with these computers.  The use of quantum computing in medicine is unclear other than being able to do some things better and faster. One thing that all the quantum presenters did talk about (and about which they were visibly concerned) was the impact of quantum on cyber security. The sheer power of these computers could very well render most cyber security protections obsolete. And precious little appears to be being done about it.

10. Covid? What Covid? Very few people were wearing masks. Very few references were made to Covid anywhere. I got the distinct impression that the fear of Covid has faded into the woodwork. I got the impression that this show, more than any other, has entirely returned to the pre-Covid normal. We shall see post-show, I suppose. Pre-Covid, it was a standard joke that most attendees came down with the “CES crud” post-show. It may be that even if Covid hits attendees, we won’t hear much about it. 


Medical technologies at CES 2025

Manufacturers and healthcare professionals actively participated in the event, driven by a shared commitment to finding innovative solutions that can enhance the support they provide to their customers and patients. Their presence reflects a collaborative effort to address pressing challenges in the industry, to improve overall health outcomes. By engaging in discussions and exploring new technologies, they aim to develop strategies that will not only meet the needs of their clients but also elevate the standard of care in healthcare settings.  

SoundPass Medical

    • An ultrasound-guided stylet for external ventricular drains that provides real-time 3D imaging 
    • A single-use laparoscope lens cleaner that helps surgeons maintain visibility during procedures 


    • miLab   

    • An AI-powered, automated digital microscope that analyzes blood samples in 15 minutes. miLab is an adoption of visual imagery for the analysis of microscope images. T


    • An AI platform that predicts pregnancy complications early 
    • Tone Buds   (Ozlo)
      These noise-making earbuds have some special features, including helping you fall asleep and stopping playing when you're out.
      • SNORE BLOCKING: Our soft silicone tips passively block noise, while our Science-backed Sleep Sounds help cover up noisy sleep disruptions like snoring partners, loud cities, dogs barking, and more.
      • SUPER COMFY: Side Sleeper Approved. Ozlo Sleepbuds feature ultra-soft, squishy silicone tips that mold to your ears, providing unparalleled comfort and a secure-fit, even for all-night wear.
      • HOW THEY WORK: Sleepbuds use state-of-the-art Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology to minimize battery size, making them tiny and comfortable for all sleeping positions. For optimal streaming, keep Sleepbuds within 10 feet of the Smart Case and your phone within 30 feet.
      • STREAM ALL NIGHT: Enjoy up to 10 hours of playtime on a single charge, with the Smart Case providing extra power on the go for added convenience and portability.
      • SLEEP DETECTION: Sleepbuds' biometric sensors can seamlessly detect when you fall asleep, auto-magically switching from your streaming audio to built-in noise-masking sounds.
      • IN-EAR ALARM: Ozlo Sleepbuds have a built-in personal alarm that gently wakes you from your sound sleep without jarring you or your partner.
      • SLEEPBUDS LEGACY: With decades of headphone engineering expertise, our team acquired the original Sleepbuds patents to create the next generation—Ozlo Sleepbuds. Redesigned from the ground up, they’re engineered for your best sleep yet.
      • DESIGNED FOR SLEEP: Sleepbuds apply an innovative connection design that uses the Smart Case as a bridge to your phone. This enables Sleepbuds to use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), which reduces power consumption and the need for a bulky battery. The space savings allow Sleepbuds to be super tiny and provide all-night comfort.
      • CLINICALLY PROVEN: Our Sleep Technology is Clinically Proven to Help You Fall Asleep Faster and Stay Asleep Longer, Without Pharmaceutical Intervention – and the Associated Side Effects.
    • Hyodol  

      An AI-based companion robot doll that helps older adults with dementia feel less lonely 
    • Eyas    

      A digital therapy platform that helps patients with ADHD and mild cognitive changes. (Neurodivergence)  

    • EYAS (EYe-ear-Attention System) Global-only computerized cognitive rehabilitation system linked to eye tracking. Maximization of the development improvement effect by linking the patient's vision with the system. Children with difficulty in learning and doing their assignments. Children with attention deficit, hyperactivity disorder.
    • Children require flexible thinking in the cognitive process. Children with difficulty in visual and auditory perception.
  •  

  •  At CES 2025, there were many other innovative healthcare technologies highlighting advancements aimed at improving patient care, accessibility, and overall health management. Here are some of the notable developments:
     
    Asahi Kasei's Microdevices: These devices depend upon semiconductors to sense chemicals such as carbon dioxide and other sensors such as:
    A fall detection system that uses millimeter-wave radar and AI to monitor movement without compromising privacy.
    A battery-free smart diaper that alerts caregivers when it needs changing, powered by moisture.
    A contactless stethoscope that monitors vital signs without physical contact [1][2].
    MedicosBiotech's Cure Silk:
    An AI-driven chronic wound care solution that utilizes spider silk protein-based patches to enhance healing, accompanied by an app for personalized treatment suggestions [2].
    OnMed's Clinic-in-a-Box:
    A compact solution providing real-time doctor consultations, vital checks, and e-prescriptions, designed to improve healthcare access in underserved communities [2].
    Hyodol's AI Companion Robot:
    A robot designed to assist older adults with dementia, providing companionship and reminders for medication and meals [1].
    Eli Health's Hormometer:
    A portable device that allows users to track hormone levels at home using a saliva sample, delivering results in about 20 minutes [2].
    Noul's miLab System:
    An AI-powered digital microscope that automates blood sample analysis, providing high-resolution images and diagnostic insights in just 15 minutes [2].
    Variowell's Thermal Comfort Topper:
    A bed topper that monitors heart rate and body zones to adjust temperature for optimal sleep comfort [2].
    InTheTech's EYAS:
    A digital therapy platform for patients with mild cognitive impairment and ADHD, utilizing eye-tracking technology to enhance cognitive training [1][2].
    FlowBeams' BoldJet:
    A needle-free injection system that uses lasers to deliver vaccines and medications painlessly, reducing the risk of needlestick injuries [2].
    Withings' Omnia Smart Mirror:
    A smart mirror that reads vital stats and provides health reports, integrating with a companion app for comprehensive health tracking [3].
    These innovations reflect a growing trend towards integrating technology into healthcare to enhance patient experiences and outcomes, making healthcare more accessible and efficient.
Mark your calendar for next year's 2026 CES, held in  Las Vegas.  

The 2026 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) will take place in Las Vegas, Nevada from January 6–9, 2026. The event will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center.







Saturday, January 11, 2025

Google's Quantum Chip Just Broke Reality (You Won't Believe What It Can ...


A quantum computer

Is tis imaage a real quantum computer, or an AI generated image?


A quantum chip image

Are quantum chips real?  The image abovemay very well have been generated by artificial intelligence.

Willow is a company known for its advancements in quantum computing, particularly with its focus on developing quantum chips. Their work often involves creating specialized hardware that leverages the unique properties of quantum mechanics to enhance computational capabilities.

Tuesday, December 31, 2024

Medtech Update for 2024

 Thank You to Our Readers

Dear Readers,

We extend our gratitude for your continued support and engagement with our content. Your enthusiasm and feedback inspire us to keep exploring and sharing the latest advancements in medical technology.

Updates in Medical Technology

As we move into the new year, we are excited to witness rapid advancements in medical technology. Innovations such as telemedicine, artificial intelligence in diagnostics, and wearable health devices are transforming patient care and making healthcare more accessible. These technologies not only enhance the efficiency of medical practices but also empower patients to take charge of their health.

We look forward to bringing you more insights and updates on these exciting developments. Together, let’s continue to explore the future of healthcare!

Thank you once again for being a part of our community.

Author:  Gary M. Levin M.D.

Next steps for Neuralink


Neuralink’s human testing journey: From widely publicized malfunctions to international expansion, here’s a reminder of how far Neuralink’s BCI has come. A year ago, the first Neuralink human user, Noland Arbaugh, underwent surgery to receive the brain chip.  In a video on Musk-owned social media site X, Arbaugh was shown playing chess and other computer games using his mind.   But just a few weeks later, the device began to malfunction, prompting Neuralink to modify the brain-recording algorithm’s sensitivity before implanting the tech in the second human participant.  Now, the robotic arm study, according to Neuralink’s announcement, will cross-enroll from the ongoing PRIME study. If successful, it will mark further applicability of the technology.

Even specifically BCIs connected to robotic prosthetics are nothing new. As a refresher, the first such technology was successfully tested in a monkey in 2008. A 2012 Nature study marked the first successful use in human stroke survivors.

However, what has distinguished Neuralink’s BCI is its size and sleekness. Traditionally, BCIs are clunky and require a constant wired connection. The Neuralink chip is wireless.

OpenAI’s healthcare takeover

“A computer can never be held accountable.”

This is a famous quote for many technologists. It’s said to have surfaced from a 1979 IBM presentation about how computers should not be held responsible for management decisions.  Computer decision-making and artificial intelligence have come a long way since the 70s. But people’s wariness around a technology’s ability to make decisions with consequences is still palpable today. This is especially true in healthcare, where generative AI has been proposed to help solve issues ranging from appointment scheduling to ambient scribing to diagnosis. While GenAI overall dominates the MedTech conversation, one company's products dominate the healthcare market: OpenAI.  The company behind ChatGPT has technology deployed across hospitals, pharma, cancer care, and many other settings. To some, this is cause for concern, given that OpenAI’s products are not immune to risks of common GenAI errors like hallucinations.  But I’m not here to add to the fear around GenAI in healthcare. In many ways, I think the eager adoption of this class of technology is reason for optimism. Healthcare, notorious for its resistance to adopting new technologies, is onboard with GenAI.

And what is so fascinating to me about our sector’s embrace of OpenAI, in particular, is that it’s not a healthcare company—not by a long shot. 

These smart glasses can decode your feelings


When you think of smart glasses, you probably think of how technology augments or analyzes what you look at through them. But what if smart glasses watch you?

Brighton, UK startup Emteq Labs launched Sense, its emotion-sensing smart glasses.

Paired with Emteq’s software, the glasses’ sensors, placed along the rim, can detect minute differences in facial expressions with up to 93% accuracy.

Tech specs for smart specs: In building a product that lays somewhere between a pair of designer glasses and an AR headset, Emteq has had to be very intentional about the look, feel, and function of their product.

AR headsets are heavy, largely because of their battery packs. The Sense glasses weigh in at 62 grams, slightly heavier than Meta’s own Ray-Ban smart glasses.

To keep the weight low, the Sense glasses use optical sensors instead of cameras, which require more battery power. These sensors, inspired by the vision of the common fly, work by detecting motion vectors when points on the face move. 

The Sense glasses capture data up to 6000 times per second, looking for facial motion, especially around the eye, where motion related to emotional shifts are especially present.

The health angle: Why would we want to monitor our own feelings with a pair of smart glasses?

In monitoring involuntary facial muscle activation, the glasses aim to detect and interpret emotional shifts users may be suppressing or even unaware of. This will help users—and perhaps clinicians—track mood and mental health in a new quantifiable way.

The glasses may also eventually be used to track food intake, which reminds us of the calorie-counting algorithm we covered earlier this year.

Overall, the team is excited to eventually see this technology spawn a range of more advanced, niche tools. For instance, one potential opportunity they’d eventually like to look at is developing a tool for facial paralysis.

Another set of smart glasses?: After the spectacular failure of the Google Glass smart glasses, consumers and tech wonks alike have been bearish on this class of wearables. 

But now, with new health applications for these products, the tide appears to be turning. We discussed why this may be the case when we covered EchoSpeech, smart glasses for detecting silent speech.

Emteq sees health-focused smart glasses as riding on the wave of health-focused wearable popularity. While many common wearables—from smart watches to rings—focus on sleep and exercise, this new class of personal wearables focuses on diet and mood tracking as “the next pillar of health.”

Emteq faces competition from Big Tech players like Meta and Snap, which have also unveiled their entries into the smart glasses arena. 

Sunday, December 29, 2024

Top 25 health systems' most-successful digital projects of '24


Health systems experienced another year of digital advancement in 2024, with more big EHR moves and a push toward generative AI.

Here are the most successful IT projects and top digital trends of the year, as told to Becker by the head technology leaders at the top 25 health systems across the U.S.:

Bobbie Byrne, MD. CIO of Advocate Health (Charlotte, N.C.): One of our biggest focuses has been artificial intelligence. That began with creating a robust AI governance framework that aims to be equitable, ethical, valid, reliable, transparent, accountable, and impactful. Every AI solution we consider is evaluated internally according to this framework — before implementation and regularly afterward.

Our framework has enabled us to safely and responsibly roll out dozens of AI solutions in 2024 that have dramatically reduced the administrative burden on our clinicians and teammates. These include tools to ambiently document clinic visits and simplify clinician note-taking, tools to empower our clinical teams by drafting initial responses to patient messages that the team then edits before sending, and tools that find and summarize the most relevant information across a patient's chart.

Rohit Chandra, PhD. Chief Digital Officer of Cleveland Clinic: AI-powered scribes have the potential to be the year's most promising digital trend. The combination of technology and product, and the initial experience, suggest that easing the documentation burden is likely to not only save time but allow providers to fully engage with patients during their interactions.

Eric Goodwin. CIO of Universal Health Services (King of Prussia, Pa.): A number of digital transformation projects are yielding positive results in our hospitals this year. A new mobile app for our providers connects them with the full care team and enables mobile chart review, documentation, order entry, and improved patient care transitions across our hospitals. Over a thousand providers routinely access this new technology each month.

We have additionally launched an innovative online surgery scheduling platform, allowing surgery practices to manage block time and bookcases. Real-time communication and chat between the hospitals and the surgery practices plus electronic document exchange is a key benefit. The majority of our elective cases are now booked via this new system, reducing traditional phone calls and faxes to the hospitals.

Finally, we recently launched a new app for patients and their family members to utilize during their hospital stay. Live as of last month at an early adopter site, the app engages patients and families in their care, enhances communication and feedback with nursing, and through advanced AI tools provides improved hospital information.

Ed McCallister. CIO of UPMC (Pittsburgh): UPMC's most successful IT project of 2024 was the progress our team has made on our journey to creating a single, unified electronic health record with Epic. It is important to clarify that our transition to Epic is not solely an IT project. This project brings together clinical, operational, and technical experts from across UPMC with a vision to enhance patient care, streamline operations, and transform the overall UPMC experience. The efforts of our team in 2024 have set us on a favorable trajectory for our upcoming go-lives, which are scheduled for 2025 through 2026.

Transitioning to a single EHR will not only simplify our environment but also unlock significant opportunities for innovation. This move will enhance our ability to leverage advanced technologies, such as AI and analytics, provide a robust foundation for innovation, and allow us to develop and implement new solutions with greater agility and effectiveness. We anticipate having a single EHR will transform our capabilities and provide us with the ability to innovate in a way that can only be imagined.

Michael Pfeffer, MD. Chief Information and Digital Officer of Stanford Health Care (Palo Alto, Calif.): I am proud to highlight the successful launch of our ambient AI scribe initiative in 2024. This project represents a significant advancement in our digital health capabilities, leveraging AI to streamline clinical documentation workflows. By utilizing DAX Copilot, we have empowered our healthcare providers to focus more on the patient-clinician relationship rather than on documentation, thereby decreasing after-hours time spent in the electronic health record, reducing burnout, and improving patient satisfaction. This project has been well-received by our clinicians and is a testament to our commitment to innovation and to reducing administrative burden in healthcare.

Industrywide, one of the most promising health IT trends we've observed in 2024 is the increased adoption of AI-driven solutions in healthcare. Organizations are increasingly recognizing the potential of artificial intelligence to enhance decision-making, personalize patient care, and increase operational efficiencies. As we move forward, I anticipate that the integration of AI in healthcare will continue to evolve, paving the way for improved patient experiences and outcomes on a broader scale.

Michael Reagin. Chief Technology Officer of Banner Health (Phoenix): One of the most promising trends is the use of generative AI to automate and accelerate tasks, reducing the administrative burden in healthcare. Its ability to generate, personalize, and summarize content will streamline processes in areas like revenue cycle, supply chain, and other back-office functions. By implementing best practices and a human-in-the-loop approach, we can ensure a smooth and effective integration, setting the stage for a more efficient future in healthcare.

Dan Roth, MD. Chief Clinical Officer of Trinity Health (Livonia, Mich.): In 2024, one of our proudest achievements was the implementation of campaigns through Epic's Cheers application. This has allowed us to proactively reach patients in a personalized way, helping them manage their health and access the care they need. It's a true reflection of our commitment to listening, partnering, and making healthcare easier. The project has delivered significant results: Breast cancer was detected in more than 400 women following overdue mammograms, more than 4,000 patients received essential follow-up care for diabetes, more than 22,700 patients completed blood pressure reviews and more than 245,200 patients were vaccinated for influenza at a Trinity Health facility. These results underscore how thoughtfully applied technology can drive real improvements in patient care and health outcomes.

We are seeing AI technologies in healthcare take significant strides toward practical, real-world applications. These advancements are beginning to address critical challenges, driving efficiency, making it easier for our patients, and transforming processes to deliver better care. Looking ahead, the potential for AI to further streamline operations and improve patient outcomes is incredibly promising.



Sara Vaezy. Chief Strategy and Digital Officer of Providence (Renton, Wash.): I am really proud of the work we've been doing on supporting the physician in-basket and the overall trend of utilizing conversational AI and large language models to do that. It's going to just keep accelerating, and it's going to support direct access for patients without adding burden to clinicians.  Here is another opinion about using chatbots for patient messaging.

2025 promises to be even more interesting when AI learns more.



Top 25 health systems' most-successful digital projects of '24