7 Innovative Devices from CES 2024 Could Reshape Patient Self-Care

Separating the breakthrough technologies from those that may not have staying power can be difficult at tech conferences, but the recent CES 2024 show (formerly the Consumer Electronics Show) produced a number of health care-related, attention-getting devices. Some are not commercially available yet, but these products have the potential to help patients take greater control of their health.

1. Off-the-Cuff Blood Pressure

Getting patients, particularly those with chronic conditions, to monitor their blood pressure and other vital signs regularly and accurately can be a challenge. Two new cuffless devices aim to make it easier for consumers to take their readings. The Accurate 24 BPM from Accurate Meditech is an FDA-approved, calibration-free blood pressure monitor that can be worn with a lanyard or with a wrist holder. The portable, wearable device measures blood pressure, blood oxygen and core body temperature.

2. Food Allergen Emergency Control

Alerje’s Omniject epinephrine auto-injector case attaches to the back of smartphones to give users convenient temperature-appropriate storage for safe use in an emergency. Automatic alerts can be sent from the device to the patient’s allergist, first responders and support circle if a dose from the case is activated.

3. Portable Hemodialysis

The xKidney home and portable hemodialysis unit from Exorenal uses active piston-balancing pumping technology to eliminate daily disinfection required in conventional hemodialysis units. The system’s entire dialysate compartment is disposable and the unit is lightweight.

4. Noninvasive, Drug-Free Tremor Treatment

The GyroGlove from GyroGear is designed to counteract tremors in real time using advanced gyroscopic technology without drugs. The noninvasive device is worn on the wrist and tackles the underlying issue of essential tremor. It features a sturdy magnetic connector, wipe-clean surface and oversized attachment point, and the battery pack is designed for easy charging.

5. Noninvasive Glucose Monitoring Wearables

Healthcare Vision is developing a series of noninvasive glucose monitoring devices that use Raman spectroscopy and algorithms to provide a wearable option for those with diabetes or prediabetes. The company says the technology provides precise glucose readings within seconds and comes in wristband, ring and other models. The devices are designed to eliminate the need for finger sticks and related products.

6. Wearable Infusion Pumps

Infuzamed has introduced a wearable infusion pump with advanced remote monitoring and control capabilities. It features a large-volume pump for precise intravenous medication, sits on a patient’s forearm and requires no additional attachments. Infuzamed’s Wi-Fi-based monitoring program tracks patients in real time, collecting and transmitting vital signs remotely to medical personnel.

7. Testing for UTIs at home

The health tech firm Vivoo has launched an at-home urinary tract infection diagnostic kit. Users will be able to download the company’s app, urinate on a test strip and scan the strip with a smartphone. Vivoo’s deep-learning image processing helps to determine the results, which can be forwarded to a physician to arrange for a prescription to treat the infection. The test strips are going through FDA review, but the company anticipates that the product will be available later this year through online retailers.