News & Articles

Emerging Small Medical Devices

By Lloyd L. Hyde

Medical facilities such as hospitals have reduced their bed capacities over the past three decades, and this pattern is likely to continue. One of the main reasons is the growth of outpatient clinics and the range of services they now provide. Many procedures that were once performed only in hospitals can now be done safely in an outpatient setting. That shift benefits hospitals, patients, and insurance providers alike. In my view, several factors drive this change, not the least of which are highly portable, miniaturized medical devices that are handheld or tabletop units. Previously, these devices required very large footprints. They were hard-wired, floor- or wall-mounted, and housed in dedicated rooms with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). A cardiac Doppler and/or ultrasound machine, for example, might sit on a cart but still proved large and cumbersome to move. These units were tied to dedicated electrical outlets and rooms with HVAC. When power failed, they often were not on emergency generator circuits. Portable and miniaturized devices work differently. Some run exclusively on battery (DC), while others use alternating current (AC), direct current (battery), or both. So far I have named only two device types in the portable category, but there are many more.

Technology Horizon

By Lloyd L. Hyde

Greater than 50 years ago, a young lad accompanied a family member to a hospital in one of the small towns in Jamaica, West Indies, and from that time things have never been the same. While sitting in the waiting area awaiting the return of his aunt, this young boy was able to form an opinion on his surroundings and make a decision on the career path that he would follow. He arrived at his decision based on the activity that he observed in one of the hospital’s clinical departments that was situated within the immediate vicinity of the waiting area. Upon the return of the boy’s aunt, a discussion started between the two, as would be expected of any young child visiting a hospital for the first time. However, the conversation went much further than the usual wanting to know what the doctor said and whether she was going to be alright. This child wanted to know more about the activities of those individuals whom he observed -just what on earth were they doing and what were their responsibilities. In his own words he demonstrated interest in what they were doing individually and collectively. It was then he declared to his aunt that when he grew up that is the kind of work he would like to do. His aunt told him that if that was what he would like to be, he could. However, she said it would entail significant studies and a lot of hard work. That young lad said, “I want to do it.” That young boy then is this writer now.

Medical Instrumentation

The Cardiac Pacemaker

By Lloyd L. Hyde

The following is written from a clinical engineering point of view and does not intend to convey medical advice. It serves only as basic information to the reader.

A Travel Letter From Chicago Seacoast Voyage

By Lloyd L. Hyde

Historically, it has been referred to as the Land of Wood and Water, and perhaps it is. The lyrics of a well known song by Harry Belafonte remind us that it is the Land of the Sea and Sun. It has also been aptly titled the Crown Jewel of the Caribbean, Island Paradise, and Queen of the Antilles. These are just a few of the names that have from time to time been conferred on this tin)’ piece of God’s creation with a rich heritage and a proud people. I am told that many years ago when George Shearing visited the place, although blind, he said as far as he could “see” this is a beautiful country. It is the place where many in North America fondly call home, not to mention those half a world away in various parts of Europe. We are talking about the birthplace of poets, politicians and planters the homeland of artisans, architects, authors, carpenters, cobblers and coopers. The climate is great, the trees are green, the waters warm, the blue seas inviting and the people friendly. Picturesque mountains, enchanting breezes, and lush flora all combine to make Jamaica the perfect island paradise.