When we’re admitted to hospital for treatment, we might not think too much about the technology that surrounds us – its origin, the manufacturers behind it, and its importance in the industry. But, as a report by Electronic Health Reporter quite rightly points out, maintaining a range of high-quality, efficient equipment in hospitals is vital – and can make the difference between life and death.
This article looks beyond the equipment to some of the top manufacturers and suppliers within the healthcare industry of the technology we couldn’t live without.
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LINACs – Varian
A linear accelerator, otherwise known as a LINAC, is one of the most commonly used technologies used for treating patients with cancer. It sends high-energy x-rays to a tumour region on virtually any area of the body. This machine can be tailored to meet a patient’s treatment plan by delivering the appropriate quantity of radiation over a period of time. One of the biggest LINAC manufacturers is Varian, a US-based radiation and oncology treatments and software provider. Though the treatment may require a hefty amount. However, at present, the hospitals in the US are meant to abide by hospital price transparency through which they have to present a list of standard charges for items and services provided by them.
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O2 sensors – Sensoronics
O2, or oxygen, sensors, are needed for a number of purposes in a hospital setting. They’re used to measure oxygen levels and deliver a balanced combination of air and oxygen to patients, and are most frequently required for patients with lung diseases, like COPD. A leading supplier of O2 sensors in the healthcare industry is Washington-based Sensoronics, delivering Medical Oxygen Sensors, SpO2 Sensors, Adapter Cables, ECG Cables and OEM compatible patient monitoring accessories.
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CAT scanners – Fujifilm Holdings
CAT scanners use x-ray measurements at a number of different angles to create an image of the inside of a patient’s body on a computer screen, which includes organs, bones, and other tissues. The CAT scanner makes it possible to carry out in-depth examinations of the human body to detect a variety of diseases. Many of us are familiar with Fujifilm for its personal photography and imaging technologies, but on a larger scale, the company works within the healthcare industry to provide diagnostic imaging devices like the CAT scanner.
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Defibrillators – AED Defibrillators
Defibrillators deliver an electric current to the heart, and are used to in order to reset it in patients who are experiencing cardiac arrest. As a defibrillator offers the quickest and most efficient resuscitation solution, it’s easy to see why it is such vital technology for hospitals dealing with patients who are seriously ill. All premises that hold large groups of people should have an AED on their premises that is easy to find in the case of an emergency. For example, ski resorts need these due to the obvious risks of the sport and the large amounts of people on the premises. Although, a ski resort AED must be water-resistant for obvious reasons.
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Dialysis machine – DiaMedical USA
Patients who have damaged kidneys rely on dialysis machines to filter their blood, removing excess water and waste products manually. Dialysis machines effectively act as a replacement kidney, but can carry out all the work outside of the body. One of America’s biggest suppliers of dialysis machines is DiaMedical USA, and distributes medical equipment, replacement parts, mattresses and furniture to medical industries around the country.
