You might not have realised it, but you probably have numerous medical devices in your own home right now. That’s because the term “medical device” covers any appliance, material or even software that’s designed for a medical purpose. So if you have a box of plasters or a thermometer in your bathroom cabinet, or even a pair of prescription glasses sitting on your bedside table, you’ve got a medical device.
The medical devices that crop up in our translations are often on a bigger scale – but they can also be tiny, refined instruments for things like minimally invasive surgery. It’s a huge field, and it’s critical that translations involving medical devices are right for medical professionals and patients – which is why human language expertise is so important.
Where are they?
Devices and technology are found at every stage of the patient pathway, from prevention and diagnoses to long-term care. Some examples are:
- Tongue depressors
- Wheelchairs
- Pacemakers
- Artificial joints
- Insulin testers
- X-ray units
- Dialysis machines
Categories of medical technology
Medical devices are products, services or solutions that prevent, diagnose, monitor, treat and care for human beings by physical means.
In vitro diagnostics medical devices (IVDs) are non-invasive tests performed on biological samples (such as blood and tissue) to determine the status of a person’s health.
Digital health refers to tools and services that use information and communication technologies to improve prevention, diagnosis, treatment and management of health and lifestyle.
Regulations and classification
A few commonly applied examples of regulations and classification in Germany and Europe more generally are:
- Regulation (EU) 2017/745: Medical Device Regulation (MDR)
- Regulation (EU) 2017/746: In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Device Regulation (IVDR)
- In Germany: Medizinprodukterecht-Durchführungsgesetz (Medical Device Law Implementation Act)
- All medical devices are classified under class I, IIA, IIB or III, with III being the highest risk class
Constant innovation
Products typically have a lifecycle of only 18-24 months before an improved version becomes available. In 2023, more than 15,900 medtech patent applications were filed with the EPO.*
Why the language used with medical devices matters
Medical applications can be quite literally a matter of life or death. Doctors, medtech company representatives and patients all need communication that is clear and accurate to maximise safety.
Patients come from all kinds of backgrounds, and language needs to be catered to the specific needs of different populations.
Requirements derived from regulations need to be communicated clearly and understood to ensure that devices are compliant.
The latest trends
Medical IoT
Wearable medical devices and integrated applications for healthcare needs (such as smart inhalers, which sync patient usage with a mobile app)
Telehealth
Using digital technologies to accommodate more patient needs and relieve pressure on staff
Wellness
A shift away from reactive treatment to a focus on well-being, even through apps such as Calm and Headspace
Need reliable, accurate medical device translations? Get in touch with us on info@lktranslations.co.uk or connect with us on LinkedIn and DM us there.
*Source: https://www.medtecheurope.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/medtech-europe–facts-figures-2024.pdf