Drones and the latest technology in medicine

Patients suffering from drug-resistant epilepsy  can now count on the latest technology. These include, for example, stereoelectroencephalography, i.e. tiny electrodes inserted directly into the patient’s brain to find the source of seizures and laser surgery to remove diseased brain sections. Magnetic resonance devices provide high-resolution images during surgery, and implanted devices can stop epileptic seizures.

The smart pill, which can be monitored as it moves through the digestive tract, will help identify digestive problems such as constipation, gastroesophageal reflux disease and gastroparesis. Developed by specialists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the California Institute of Technology, the tiny sensor detects the magnetic field generated by an electromagnetic coil placed outside the patient’s body. The researchers hope that the pill can be used by patients at home instead of using more invasive hospital procedures.

A drone used to transport mail, clinical supplies, chemotherapy drugs, prescriptions and blood units between three hospitals over a distance of approximately 80km is being tested in the  English county of Northumberland. The aim of the programme is to reduce delivery times and cut harmful carbon emissions. The tested pilotless aircraft can transport up to 3kg of cargo with a maximum speed of 110km/h.