Most people have seen sci-fi shows or films like Star Wars and Star Trek, and been amused by the imagined technology used in their fictional universes. But Dr. Basil Harris, an emergency physician at Lankenau Medical Center and the founder of Final Frontier Medical Devices, found inspiration in these technological fantasies and decided to create his own real-life version. His creation, called DxtER, is similar to the Tricorder from Star Trek; a non-invasive medical diagnostic tool.
With this device, patients are given a whole new way to measure their health. Part of the appeal of DxtER is the non-invasive aspect of the technology. Dr. Basil explains that the iPad based technology is packed with sensors that can measure vitals signs in the body, like blood pressure, without having to use a cuff or other external objects. Using artificial intelligence, the device can also provide the user with a diagnosis based on their reported symptoms.
However, Dr. Harris does not believe the device calls for the elimination of doctors entirely. He says DxtER was created as a tool that can help people work with their providers and in a more efficient manner. But before this device can be made common in household first aid kits, it must be approved by the FDA, which Dr. Harris expects to be a slow process taking about five to 10 years. With a flood of emerging technologies in healthcare, devices like DxtER must work to gain the trust of the public before they reach the mainstream.
Guest Information:
- Dr. Basil Harris, emergency physician at Lankenau Medical Center and founder of Final Frontier Medical Devices
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