5/1/2021 30 Years/30 Devices : 1979 : The 1980s : The 1990s : The 2000s : Older

been scratched with medical lasers and their potential. Medical lasers (light
amplification by stimulated emission of radiation) use focused light sources to treat
or remove tissue, and they are used for a variety of vision, dental, cosmetic, and
general surgery procedures. One benefit for surgical procedures is less bleeding; heat
from lasers cauterizes blood vessels, which leaves medical personnel with less blood Image courtesy of
to deal with compared with scalpels. Perhaps the most popular application is LASIK, ABBOTT
a type of refractive laser eye surgery to correct myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. LABORATORIES
LASIK surgery has transformed outcomes for patients su ering from these conditions. FDA approved
the first excimer laser in 1995.

Angio-Seal 1996

The Angio-Seal is a breakthrough vascular closure device that uses bioabsorbable

components to mechanically seal punctures in the femoral artery a er a
catheterization procedure. The quick seal occurs in three easy steps—locate, set, and
seal—and is created by sandwiching the arteriotomy in the tissue tract between a
copolymer anchor and a collagen sponge. In addition to providing patients with a
Photo courtesy of shorter hospital stay, the seal dissolves within 60 to 90 days. The device was
ST. JUDE MEDICAL developed by Kensey Nash Corp., which licensed it to St. Jude Medical.

LightCycler Real-Time PCR 1998

Molecular diagnostics have paved the way toward individualized medicine. The
technology enables point-of-care diagnoses for infectious diseases, meaning
infected patients can be identified quickly, enabling immediate treatment and
protection for those at risk. One of the best-known devices is the LightCycler Real-
Time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) System from Roche Diagnostics. Using PCR,
scientists can take a specimen containing a minute amount of genetic material,
repeatedly copy a selected region from it, and within hours, generate a sample
su icient to perform a variety of tests. PCR is versatile. Many types of samples (e.g.,
blood, skin cells, saliva, hair) can be analyzed for nucleic acids. Any sample used for
PCR must contain the DNA strand encompassing the region to be amplified.
Photo courtesy of
CyberKnife Robotic Radiosurgery System 1999
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The CyberKnife is a miniature linear accelerator mounted to a
robotic arm. It noninvasively delivers concentrated beams of radiation to a targeted
tumor from multiple positions and angles. The tumor receives a cumulative dose of
radiation high enough to control or kill the tumor cells while minimizing radiation
exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. It delivers to almost all parts of the body,
Photo courtesy of particularly for surgically complex tumors. In 1999, the device was approved for
ACCURAY treatment of tumors in the head and base of skull. In 2001, FDA cleared
enhancements to the CyberKnife System for tumors anywhere in the body.

da Vinci Surgical System 1999

The da Vinci surgical system has made it possible to treat a broader range of
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