Medical devices refer to equipment, devices, materials, and other related items used for prevention, diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, and mitigation of diseases. Medical devices can be classified into multiple categories based on their functions and usage areas. The following are some common classifications of medical devices:
Therapeutic instruments
Instruments used to treat diseases or alleviate symptoms, including surgical instruments, syringes, infusion sets, cardiac pacemakers, etc. They correct and improve the health status of patients through surgery, drug administration, physical therapy, and other methods.
Diagnostic instruments
Used to help doctors determine the existence, nature, and severity of diseases, such as blood pressure monitors, thermometers, blood glucose meters, electrocardiographs, X-ray machines, etc. They provide diagnostic evidence by measuring and recording physiological indicators, images, or laboratory test results.
Monitoring equipment
Monitoring instruments are used to monitor the vital signs and changes in the patient's condition, such as electrocardiogram monitors, blood oxygen saturation monitors, blood pressure detectors, etc. They can monitor indicators such as heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, and thermometer in real time, helping doctors detect changes in the condition in a timely manner.
Supporting instruments
Devices used to support medical processes or provide auxiliary functions, such as ventilators, dialysis machines, pacemakers, extracorporeal membrane oxygenators, etc., can assist or replace the physiological functions of patients, maintain respiratory, circulatory, and metabolic processes.
Rehabilitation equipment
Used to assist patients in rehabilitation and functional recovery, including wheelchairs, walking aids, etc., which assist patients in daily activities, exercise training, and rehabilitation treatment. Promote the recovery of patients and improve their quality of life.
In addition, medical devices can be divided into three levels based on their risk level: the third type of high-risk medical devices, the second type of medium risk medical devices, and the first type of low-risk medical devices.
Different categories of medical devices have corresponding regulations and standards in their design, manufacturing, and use to ensure their safety and effectiveness. It should be noted that the above is only an introduction to some common medical device classifications and functions. In fact, the classification and functions of medical devices are very diverse. With the continuous progress of technology and changes in medical needs, new medical devices are also constantly developing and applying.