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The German Medical Technology Sector: High level of innovation as a guarantee for growth
Medical technology in Germany demonstrates a high level of innovation. One of the focuses of the High-Tech Strategy is therefore on the continuation and expansion of this discipline. For example, medical technology designs new types of equipment for different areas of use, e.g. systems which enable operations using so-called key-hole techniques. A further innovation is equipment in miniature form such as a tiny pressure-measuring capsule to control blood pressure.
One of the targets of the High-Tech Strategy is the continuation and expansion of medical technology as one of the most innovative sectors in Germany. Medical technology integrates key technologies such as microsystems technology, information and communication technology, nanotechnology, molecular and cell biology, regeneration technology and pharmacy. The Medical Technology Innovation Competition is a central funding measure which contributes towards accelerating the introduction of innovative medical products onto the market by funding selected research ideas.
This type of funding is necessary as this sector is dominated by small and medium-sized companies, which are often faced with financing problems due to long development processes of sometimes over ten years. Depending on the type of classification, major clinical trials are necessary if the statutory health insurance funds are to subsequently foot the bill for treatment.
Project Example
Early warning system for cardiac insufficiency
Despite taking medication, chronically ill heart patients often suffer from a weak cardiovascular system. Ideally their blood pressure should be kept under constant surveillance. The BMBF has therefore provided funding for the development of a tiny pressure-measuring capsule which can be implanted in the affected patients. This new type of sensor provides an early warning as soon as the pumping performance of the heart is reduced. The doctor will in future be able to recognize irregularities at an early stage and react by administering the corresponding drugs. The person affected can be helped quickly. This will avoid stays in hospital and thus save considerable costs. Permanent surveillance will enable patients with serious cardiac insufficiency to lead a largely independent life at home. The heart capsule was developed to market maturity in a collaborative project comprising four academic partners and BYTEC Medizintechnik GmbH, Stolberg, Germany.
The aim of the Innovation Alliance Molecular Imaging is to improve the depiction of living cells. Molecular imaging is intended for use in the early diagnosis and treatment of illnesses, particularly cancer, cardiovascular diseases and dementia. In order for this to succeed, designers of appliances are collaborating closely with natural scientists, pharmaceutical experts, users in hospitals and software specialists. More than 25 small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) and approximately 25 research institutions are involved in the alliance in addition to Siemens, Bayer-Schering Pharma, Boehringer Ingelheim, Carl Zeiss and Karl Storz.
Interdisciplinary approaches to treating older and chronically sick people
Against the background of limited staff and financial resources, the need to care for older and chronically sick people in their home environment will increase in the foreseeable future - above and beyond the care they receive in doctors' surgeries and hospitals. To deal with this the Federal Government is, on the one hand, funding research projects which aim at maintaining the independence of the elderly, who often suffer from several illnesses at the same time, for as long as possible - for example the "Health in old age" funding measure. On the other hand, new care and treatment models such as "Ambient Assisted Living" are also gaining importance. At the same time, the application of telematics in the health system will create a broad technological basis for new methods (telemedicine, telemonitoring). This will help to improve medical care in rural regions.
Project Example
Age-appropriate assistance systems - Ambient Assisted Living
Mobile pulse and ECG appliances report irregularities directly to the doctor. The new systems include appliances which monitor the person's sleep or recognize if he or she has suffered a fall, using sensors which sound the alarm in critical situations. Such systems are being developed with the help of medical technology, microsystems technology, modern information and communications technology (ICT) and innovative services. The aim is to enhance the quality of life for people at all stages of life. Under ambient assisted living one understands concepts, products and services which improve the interaction between technical and social systems. In particular, intelligent systems ensure that the elderly and people with impaired movement can live a longer independent life. Ambient assisted living systems explicitly involve nursing staff, doctors and family members. Research and innovations establish the basis for technical systems which, depending on the needs of the user, can facilitate or even perform part of his or her everyday activities, even providing medical care.
www.aal-deutschland.de
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