Is AI still the MedTech trend to look toward in 2025?
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We all know that artificial intelligence (AI) was one of the main trends of 2024 for the medtech industry. It didn’t matter what segment of healthcare you were in, AI, its implementation, and the possibilities for patient improvement were part of the discussion. Now that we’re in 2025, should we continue to expect AI to be a driving force for innovation? We believe the answer is yes. Here are a few areas where we see AI impacting and benefiting healthcare in 2025.
AI and machine learning
AI and machine learning (ML) have been evolving in the past few years. We’ve seen a shift in definition and application. We predict a narrower definition of and further increase in the adoption of AI. AI-driven predictive analytics will continue to increase its role as a key tool for diagnostics and treatment planning. Predictive algorithms will help clinicians identify disease risks earlier, improve decision-making, and personalize treatment. The difference going into 2025 is the understanding that universal baseline data encompassing more diverse patient populations will be the key to the success of predictive AI.
AI-driven imaging
Already a huge focus in 2024, AI will also continue to advance medical imaging techniques, enabling more accurate and quicker diagnosis, especially in radiology and pathology. Breast cancer to date is where most progress has been made, but lung and other cancers aren’t far behind.
Robotics and automation
A third application of AI continuing to grow in 2025 and making further impact on patient care is robotics and automation. Surgical robots will become more intuitive and precise with improved AI systems allowing for improved surgical planning and better 2D and 3D imaging.
As AI becomes more embedded in robotics, we predict more AI-assisted surgery helping surgeons by providing real-time feedback, suggesting the best surgical techniques, and even performing certain aspects of the procedure autonomously. We spoke about the impact of ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) in U.S. healthcare systems in our October 2024 article. As a continuation, we see smaller robots becoming more prevalent to meet the ever-increasing demand with ASCs’ smaller, less expensive surgical robots becoming more common. Larger scale robots will continue to be used in hospitals and surgical centers.
Additionally, keep an eye out for the shift of robots into minimally invasive surgeries. Robotic systems such as the da Vinci Surgical System or ROSI will become more precise and widely adopted, enabling surgeries to be performed with smaller incisions and faster recovery times.
Wearables and remote patient monitoring
AI in wearables and remote patient monitoring will also see a sharp increase in solutions. As we continue to see watches, rings, and other biosensors monitor vital signs, the next logical step is to predict potential health issues such as heart attacks, diabetic episodes, etc. before they occur. It will also help in chronic disease management.
Other
Other AI trends will include home-based treatments and smart drug delivery systems. AI will be key in the growth of the remote treatments segment such as home infusion therapies, which, supported by smart medical devices, allow patients with chronic conditions or severe illnesses to manage health at home. In addition, new AI and sensor-driven drug delivery systems will provide more personalized, precise treatment options.
Finally, we expect to see AI expansion in virtual ehealth support, from access to information to appointment scheduling or reminding patients to take their prescriptions or to describe symptoms.
These are just a few of the AI trends we forecast for 2025. We’re energized and excited to see how improvements and innovations in AI will continue to improve healthcare.
About the authors: CEO Florence Joffroy-Black is a long-time MedTech M&A and marketing expert. She can be reached at florencejblack@medworldadvisors.com. Managing Director Dave Sheppard is a former medical OEM Fortune 500 executive and an experienced MedTech M&A professional. He can be reached at davesheppard@medworldadvisors.com. Value = Strategic Fit + Timing® is a registered trademark of MedWorld Advisors.
To view this article on the Today’s Medical Developments Magazine, click here.
