Why do doctors need a smart electric scooter?

Unique exhibits have been unveiled at the International Medical Forum in Minsk

The 29th International Medical Forum Healthcare of Belarus–2024 was held in Belarus’ capital at the end of April. The event was timed to coincide with the 105th anniversary of the healthcare system. This year, more than 160 exhibitors from eight countries, including Russia, China, Egypt, Cuba, Iran showcased their best developments that surprised even sophisticated visitors. The exhibition has highlighted the advancement of medical technologies in our country and worldwide. Below are some of the most extraordinary exhibits that will shape the future of the medical industry.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation device

Aleksei Kazimirov demonstrating a cardiopulmonary resuscitation device

This is an electromechanical German-made installation that automatically performs chest compression during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It consists of an X-ray transparent backboard where a torsional actuator is attached. The frequency and depth of compression are adjusted on the display. The device is mainly used in intensive care units and ambulance services, and can be controlled using a defibrillator monitor. The X-ray transparent base does not interfere with computer tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Smart electric scooter

Yevgeny Tsagelnikov, Head of Development Department 

“Why would you need it?” you could ask in surprise. Here is the answer — this is a chair that gives people with limited mobility the opportunity to get moving. It is Belarusians who came up with this novelty, about half of the components for which are domestic. Both handrails of the electric scooter have a control joystick that enables to adjust the speed, turns, and even set commands remotely from your phone. The device is also suitable for outdoor use, with the charge lasting for 20-25 kilometres. The main thing in this regard is that the patient does not accidentally ride away from the clinic to some sanatorium, carried away by enthusiasm...

Electric bed with weighing function

Tatiana Sizonenko, Deputy Director for Financial and Economic Development

Electric beds have been produced in Belarus for a long time, and now they have been enhanced with an automatic weighing function. This feature is important for severe bedridden patients as it allows checking their body weight without moving. This information is needed in order to determine the necessary dose of medications and other prescriptions. The bed plugs to an outlet and can be controlled using a remote control. A panel for the medical staff is placed on the outside, and the one for the patient is on the inside. In other words, the patient can independently adjust the four-section bed by raising or lowering supports for different parts of the body. By the way, this is a domestic development and it is already used, mainly in rehabilitation centres.

Convection heating system

It is a Belarusian novelty which has no analogues in the post-Soviet space. Belarusian clinics previously used American, Dutch or German convection heating systems to maintain patient temperature. Currently our domestically produced device is undergoing a registration procedure. Its distinctive feature is that the disposable blanket is filled with warm air at different speeds. This function is necessary for long-term operations, when the patient’s body temperature decreases significantly. The novelty has enough power to provide heat for two blankets by placing them on top and bottom. Thus, the patient is placed in a ‘warm sandwich’, the temperature of which can be adjusted. In addition to convection heating, the exhibition participants demonstrated an electric heating system where a heating module and a gel plate are put on the operating table.

Centrifugal force installation

Vladislav Veremey, representative of R&D NPO Centre

An R&D and production organisation, Belarus’ National Academy of Sciences and Belarusian State Medical University have jointly come up with an unconventional capsule, with the dominance of centrifugal forces inside. It quickly rotates the patient, due to which the blood is redistributed in the body — it flows from the upper extremities to the lower ones. This method is used for treating orthopedic, neurological, and vascular problems, as well as diseases of the genitourinary system. The procedure duration depends on the medical prescription and lasts on average from 5 to 30 minutes. The head remains stationary on the axis of rotation during the session, hence there is no vertigo. The biggest load is exerted on the legs. Depending on the patient’s height, the programme automatically calculates the required number of revolutions. The creators of the installation are now in the process of obtaining a certificate to register the innovation as medical equipment.

Robotic complex

Russian manufacturers have come up with a robotic complex enabling rehabilitation and improving quality of life for people after stroke, spinal cord injuries, and operations on large joints. The uniqueness of the device is that it allows the immobilised patient to move along a free trajectory and even to practise foot rolling. All sensory organs are involved in rehabilitation, which ensures the correct flow of impulses from the lower extremities to the brain. As a result, the lost motor functions are quite often taken over by healthy parts of the brain. Among the unmatched exhibits are also exoskeletons for children with cerebral palsy and degenerative diseases.

Magnetic therapy capsule

Dmitry Bondarovets, representative of AZGAR FTO private enterprise 

The patient is placed inside this capsule, and the magnetic field rotating around the body improves blood circulation, affects the musculoskeletal system, and increases immunity. The device is used in oncology and in post-COVID-19 rehabilitation. Such capsules have been used in Belarus for 15 years already in many health resorts. They used to be imported from Nizhny Novgorod, Russia. The new model with wireless control and improved design is a joint development of Belarusian and Russian specialists.

Robust exports

Foreigners come to Belarus for medical care and education.

Innovative technologies in the field of medicine are rapidly developing in Belarus, which lures more foreigners to our country. By the end of last year, the export of Belarusian medical services to 140 countries worldwide exceeded $40 million. Belarus also provides high-quality medical education to students from more than 50 countries. Last year alone, the export of educational services yielded profit in the amount of over $30 million.

By Yelena Basikirskaya