Author: Christine Young, Maxim Integrated bloggers
From medical wearables to diagnostic tools, high-tech innovations are playing a key role in transforming healthcare. These advanced tools not only help prevent diseases but also support personalized care by monitoring a wide range of health metrics. With ongoing research and development, more health parameters are expected to be incorporated into these systems. Globally, the preventive health technology market is projected to reach $432.4 billion by 2024, driven by the adoption of smart devices, vaccines, and monitoring equipment that reduce medical errors and improve outcomes.
For engineers and healthcare professionals, this shift represents an opportunity to build a healthier future through innovative solutions. Let’s explore how some startups are leveraging analog ICs to power their virtual medical technologies.
HD Medical – Smart Stethoscope
HD Medical has created an electronic stethoscope called ViScope that enhances heart sounds by displaying real-time waveforms. CEO Arvind Thiagarajan was inspired by his early experiences with health challenges, which led him to pursue engineering. His mentor once told him he would become a “doctor’s doctor,†someone who could impact millions of patients. The ViScope allows doctors to conduct more accurate screenings and supports telehealth by enabling remote observation of heart data.
To develop the device, Thiagarajan and his team needed high-performance, low-power, and compact ICs. They turned to Maxim Integrated’s MAX32620 microcontroller, MAX14690 battery management IC, MAX1703 DC-DC converter, and battery monitor. “Maxim provided the best solution for our needs,†Thiagarajan said.
MedWand – Handheld Telemedicine Device
Dr. Samir Qamar, CEO of MedWand, believes technology is reshaping virtual healthcare. The company’s MedWand is a handheld device that measures multiple vital signs, allowing medical professionals to remotely assess patients. “Our vision is that in the future, patients will receive care, examination, and treatment wherever they are,†Qamar explained.
The device automatically alerts a patient’s physician if any readings exceed predefined thresholds. From a design perspective, MedWand engineers had to integrate various sensors into a small, affordable device. To achieve this, they used a range of Maxim components, including processors, sensors, power management, and audio processing ICs.
Healcerion – SONON Handheld Ultrasound Device
Healcerion focuses on providing accessible healthcare solutions, especially in under-resourced areas. Their SONON device is a battery-powered, handheld ultrasound tool that connects to a smartphone via a cloud-based image exchange system. This allows for remote guidance and access to high-quality ultrasound images.
When developing the SONON, the engineering team prioritized compact size, low power consumption, and versatility. They rely on Maxim’s MAX2082 8-channel ultrasound transceiver and MAX4968B 16-channel linear high-voltage analog switch. “With Maxim’s chips, we can create compact, handheld ultrasound equipment that meets our requirements,†said CEO Anakin Choung.
Reducing Workload and Expanding Care Capacity
According to Accenture Consulting, virtual healthcare offers a promising solution to growing challenges like physician shortages and rising costs. By 2025, the U.S. is expected to face a shortage of 31,000 primary care physicians. Virtual care models can help by streamlining workflows, shifting clinicians’ focus to high-value tasks, and increasing capacity without adding staff.
Companies like HD Medical, MedWand, and Healcerion are at the forefront of this transformation. Their innovations demonstrate how virtual medical technologies can expand access to care while reducing costs and workload. As these tools continue to evolve, they hold the potential to reshape the future of healthcare globally.
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