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

The first magnetic resonance (MR) image was published in 1973 and the first study performed on a
human took place on July 3, 1977. MR imaging was developed from the study of nuclear magnetic
resonance. In its early years, the technique was referred to as nuclear magnetic resonance imaging. The
technology is used to visualize the internal structure and function of the body. MR provides contrast
between the di erent so tissues of the body, making it especially useful in neurological,
musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and oncological imaging. Applications for MR technology continue to
evolve. For example, recent applications in functional MRI measure changes in the brain, which could
lead to more information about the nature of diseases, such as stroke. They are also being moved into
the OR to take images during surgical procedures.

Hemodialyzers and Dialysis Machines 1800s–1970s

These devices provide an artificial replacement for lost kidney function due to renal failure. In
hemodialysis, the patient's blood is pumped through the blood compartment of a dialyzer, exposing it
to a semipermeable membrane. The cleansed blood is returned via the circuit back to the body.
Ultrafiltration occurs causing water and dissolved solutes to move from blood to dialysate and allows
the removal of excess fluid.

Artificial Pacemaker 1960s–1970s

The development of the pacemaker arguably gave legitimacy to the discipline of

medical device engineering. Its history is linked to famous developers, such as Earl
Bakken, Manuel Villafaña, and Wilson Greatbatch. Modern pacemakers have multiple
functions. The most basic monitor the heart's native electrical rhythm. When the
pacemaker fails to sense a heartbeat within a normal beat-to-beat time, it stimulates
Photo courtesy of the ventricle with a short low-voltage pulse. This activity continues on a beat-by-beat
ST. JUDE MEDICAL basis.

Copyright ©2009 Medical Device & Diagnostic Industry

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