One of my favorite topics about the medical device industry and technology in general is innovation. Rebecca's post last week discussed the Medical Innovation Summit - "Innovative to the Bone" hosted by the Cleveland Clinic. Although I was unable to attend the event, I did find an interesting article that discussed the current status of innovation as well as what the future looks like in this area.
Innovation is critical for progress. So what's the problem? Why can't we just lock a bunch of inventors in a room and tell them to invent cutting edge tools that will revolutionize medical procedures?
Money is one of the primary reasons why this cannot happen (wasting money to be more specific). The progression of technology is evident, however finding use of (the market need) progressive technology is falling short. This is largely because of usability. Doctors are demanding devices that handle better and are easier to become trained in because first of all...it's easier! and secondly it's cheaper! This "Rethinking Innovation" article gathered that innovation in the future might not mean greater complexity. It might mean more simplicity.
--Jillian F. Walker