Each year, TIME Magazine curates its “Best Inventions” list to showcase innovations that push the boundaries of technology, healthcare and everyday living. For the 2024 list, TIME collected nominations from editors, correspondents and industry experts using an open submission platform. Each nomination was evaluated on criteria including originality, effectiveness, ambition and impact. Among this year’s highlights were 20 groundbreaking medical device inventions that could become key additions to medical care.
Here’s a look at these top medical devices, categorized by application areas such as AI, diagnostics and surgical visualization. While some are emerging innovations expected to become standard in patient care, others are already accessible through healthcare providers and clinics.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
Prenosis’ Sepsis Immunoscore: Early AI-Driven Sepsis Detection
The Sepsis Immunoscore by Prenosis uses AI to analyze over 20 health metrics, assessing sepsis risk early for timely intervention. With De Novo US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorization in 2024, it’s the first tool of its kind to integrate such a broad biomarker panel for sepsis detection. Available in hospitals and labs, Sepsis Immunoscore has demonstrated the potential for significantly improving emergency care outcomes by enabling rapid response to sepsis risk.
Northwell Health’s iNav: ML-Based Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis
iNav applies ML to pinpoint pancreatic cancer through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scan analysis, addressing the longstanding challenge of late detection in oncology. Currently offered in clinical trials across hospitals and diagnostic centers, iNav has shown promise in reducing diagnosis-to-treatment times. Northwell Health also received a second mention in TIME for its Double Neural Bypass technology — a brain-computer interface designed to restore lasting movement and sensation in individuals with paralysis, first introduced last year in the field of bioelectronic medicine.
Diagnostics and Monitoring
AlzPath’s pTau217 Blood Test: Non-Invasive Alzheimer’s Diagnostic Test
AlzPath’s pTau217 Blood Test is the first commercially available blood test designed to detect early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, offering a non-invasive alternative to brain scans. With FDA Breakthrough Device designation in 2024, it provides critical early detection for Alzheimer’s care. Patients can currently access this test in select clinics, with broader availability expected by late 2024 as it transforms early Alzheimer’s diagnostics.
DermaSensor: AI-Driven Skin Cancer Diagnostic
DermaSensor is a handheld diagnostic tool that uses AI and elastic scattering spectroscopy (ESS) to assess skin lesions for signs of melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. FDA-cleared for use in clinical settings, DermaSensor provides rapid, non-invasive assessments, supporting early detection and referrals. As the first AI-driven tool for skin cancer detection at the point of care, it enhances dermatology practice efficiency and patient safety.
HemoSonics’ Quantra Hemostasis System: Real-Time Hemostasis Assessment
Quantra assesses hemostasis, or the body’s ability to stop bleeding, in real time using ultrasound, making it indispensable for high-risk surgeries like cardiac, trauma and transplants. FDA-approved and available in operating rooms, it is among the first ultrasound-based systems for rapid hemostasis evaluation in critical care. Recently, the FDA cleared its QStat Cartridge for expanded use with arterial blood samples, complementing its prior clearance for venous samples. This month, Quantra also received a RADx award for obstetric research.
Surgical Innovations
Medical Microinstruments’ Symani Surgical System: Robotics for Precision Microsurgery
The Symani System brings advanced precision to the smallest scale of surgery. Its NanoWrist, the world’s tiniest robotic surgical wrist, replicates hand movements for delicate tasks like blood vessel suturing. Featuring tremor reduction and motion scaling, it’s built for high precision. Now approved in 35 countries, including recent expansions across Asia-Pacific, Symani has supported over 1,000 cases globally, expanding possibilities in microsurgery.
BiVacor’s Total Artificial Heart: First Continuous-Flow Artificial Heart
BiVacor’s Total Artificial Heart replicates natural blood flow patterns, offering a life-extending option for end-stage heart failure patients. A few months ago, the Total Artificial Heart was used successfully as a bridge-to-transplant solution for a patient with severe heart failure, marking its first human implant in the US. Currently available in feasibility trials, it’s the first artificial heart of its kind to provide continuous flow similar to a biological heart. Broader accessibility is anticipated as trials progress, making BiVacor a pioneer in long-term artificial heart design.
Home Health and Wearables
Dexcom Stelo: Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) for Diabetes
Dexcom Stelo is a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device offering real-time data for diabetes management. Its compact, wearable design minimizes the need for fingersticks by continuously tracking glucose through a mobile app. Available by prescription, Stelo exemplifies the latest in CGM technology, providing patients with accessible and continuous insights to support diabetes care.
Therapeutic Devices
Onward Medical ARC-EX: Non-Invasive Spinal Cord Injury Therapy
Onward Medical’s ARC-EX therapy uses external electrical stimulation to restore strength and sensation in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients. In the Up-LIFT study, 72 percent of participants experienced clinically meaningful improvements in arm and hand function. Gains included enhanced pinch force, grip strength and sensory abilities, reflecting better motor control. Available in select clinics, ARC-EX amplifies brain signals to improve motor function, representing a breakthrough in non-invasive SCI therapy.
Surgical Visualization
Unify Medical’s Amplio: Wearable 3D Visualization for Surgical Precision
Amplio is a wearable surgical visualization system combining 3D imaging with real-time intraoperative data for enhanced surgical precision. Ergonomic and lightweight, it provides magnified, case-specific visuals during procedures. Available through select hospitals, Amplio is among the first wearable platforms that integrate advanced visualization directly into the operating field, supporting precision in digital surgery.
These top 10 devices stand out as some of the most transformative in healthcare this year, but they’re not alone. Here are some additional devices recognized for their innovative approaches and potential to improve patient care and medical practices:
- Withings’ BeamO: Multi-parameter at-home health monitoring
- Masimo W1 Medical Watch: Continuous blood oxygen monitoring
- Paragonix’s Baroguard: Lung preservation for transplants
- Roche’s HPV Self-Collection Solution: Self-collection for human papillomavirus (HPV) screening
- Aspivix’s Carevix: Patient-friendly cervical stabilization tool
- Winx Health’s UTI Test + Treat: At-home urinary tract infection (UTI) testing and treatment
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