Biomedical Technology Reference

Comprehensive catalog of medical devices, diagnostic systems, genetic platforms, and therapeutic technologies — clinical applications, technical specifications, and real-world usage.

15+ Neural Technologies 12+ Cardiovascular Devices 18+ Genomics Platforms 10+ Respiratory Systems 120+ Total Devices

Technology Categories

Neural & Brain Interface Technologies

Devices for recording, imaging, and modulating neural activity — from diagnostic EEG to therapeutic brain stimulation. Clinical and research applications.
Electroencephalography (EEG)Diagnostic
Records electrical activity of the brain
Non-invasive scalp electrodes measure voltage fluctuations from neuronal firing. Used for epilepsy diagnosis, sleep studies, brain death assessment, and cognitive research. Temporal resolution: milliseconds.
Clinical use since 1924 | Manufacturers: Natus, Compumedics, Nihon Kohden
Functional MRI (fMRI)Imaging
Measures brain activity via blood flow changes
Detects BOLD (blood-oxygen-level dependent) signal changes associated with neural activity. Spatial resolution: 1-3mm. Used for pre-surgical mapping, cognitive neuroscience, and psychiatric research.
Field strength: 1.5T - 7T | Manufacturers: Siemens, GE, Philips
Structural MRIAnatomical
High-resolution brain anatomy imaging
Provides detailed 3D images of brain structures. Detects tumors, stroke, multiple sclerosis lesions, and neurodegenerative atrophy. T1, T2, and FLAIR sequences for different tissue contrasts.
Resolution: 1mm isotropic | Clinical standard for neuroimaging
Magnetoencephalography (MEG)Magnetic
Records magnetic fields from neural activity
Superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) detect magnetic fields produced by neuronal currents. Millisecond temporal resolution. Used for epilepsy focus localization and pre-surgical planning.
306 channels | Manufacturers: MEGIN, Elekta
Positron Emission Tomography (PET)Metabolic
Measures brain metabolism and molecular targets
Tracers like FDG-18 measure glucose metabolism. Amyloid and tau PET detects Alzheimer's pathology. Dopamine transporter PET for Parkinson's diagnosis.
Tracers: FDG, PiB, Flortaucipir | Combined PET/CT or PET/MRI systems
CT Scan (Brain)Structural
Rapid brain imaging for emergencies
X-ray computed tomography for acute stroke, hemorrhage, trauma, and mass effect detection. Acquisition time: 5-10 minutes. First-line imaging in emergency settings.
Slice count: 64-320 | Non-contrast CT standard for acute stroke
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)Therapeutic
Non-invasive brain stimulation
Electromagnetic induction generates electrical currents in specific brain regions. FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression, migraine, and OCD. Repetitive TMS (rTMS) protocols for neuromodulation.
Manufacturers: MagVenture, NeuroStar, BrainsWay
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)Implantable
Neural implant for movement disorders
Implanted electrodes deliver continuous electrical stimulation to targeted brain regions (subthalamic nucleus, globus pallidus). Used in Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, dystonia. Over 200,000 implants worldwide.
Manufacturers: Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Abbott
Brain-Computer Interface (BCI)Emerging
Direct neural-to-digital communication
Invasive (Utah array, Neuralink) and non-invasive (EEG-based) systems that translate neural signals into computer commands. Applications: assistive communication for paralysis, prosthetic control.
Clinical trials ongoing | Blackrock Neurotech, Synchron, Neuralink
Electrocorticography (ECoG)Invasive
Direct cortical surface recording
Electrode arrays placed directly on exposed brain surface during neurosurgery. Higher spatial resolution than EEG. Used for epilepsy monitoring and research BCI applications.
Subdural grid or strip electrodes | Intraoperative monitoring

Cardiovascular & Hemodynamic Technologies

Diagnostic and therapeutic devices for heart and circulatory system assessment and management.
Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)Diagnostic
Records heart's electrical activity
12-lead standard for detecting arrhythmias, ischemia, myocardial infarction, and conduction abnormalities. Signal interpretation by cardiologists or AI algorithms.
Manufacturers: GE, Philips, Schiller, Welch Allyn
EchocardiogramUltrasound
Cardiac structure and function imaging
Transthoracic (TTE) and transesophageal (TEE) ultrasound. Evaluates ejection fraction, valve function, wall motion abnormalities, and congenital defects. Doppler for blood flow velocity.
2D, 3D, and Doppler modalities | Manufacturers: GE, Philips, Siemens
Holter MonitorAmbulatory
24-48 hour continuous ECG recording
Portable device worn during normal activities. Detects intermittent arrhythmias (paroxysmal AFib), symptom-rhythm correlation, and heart rate variability analysis.
3-12 lead configurations | Extended wear options: 14-30 days
Blood Pressure MonitorVital Sign
Non-invasive blood pressure measurement
Oscillometric or auscultatory methods. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) for 24-hour profiles. Essential for hypertension diagnosis and management.
AAMI/ISO standards | Manufacturers: Omron, Welch Allyn, Withings
Cardiac MRI (CMR)Advanced Imaging
Comprehensive cardiac assessment
Gold standard for ventricular volumes, myocardial scar (late gadolinium enhancement), perfusion, and tissue characterization. No ionizing radiation.
1.5T and 3T systems | Manufacturers: Siemens, GE, Philips
Cardiac CT (CCTA)Coronary Imaging
Coronary artery visualization
Coronary computed tomography angiography for plaque detection, stenosis assessment, and coronary artery calcium scoring. Fast acquisition with ECG gating.
64-320 slice scanners | Calcium score for risk stratification
Pulse OximeterOxygenation
Non-invasive oxygen saturation monitoring
Measures SpO₂ via light absorption through tissue (finger, earlobe). Standard in hospitals, ambulatory, and home settings. Essential for respiratory and cardiac assessment.
Accuracy: ±2-3% | Manufacturers: Masimo, Nonin, Medline
PacemakerImplantable
Cardiac rhythm management
Implantable device that delivers electrical pulses to regulate heart rate. Single, dual, or biventricular (CRT) systems. 1 million+ implanted annually worldwide.
Manufacturers: Medtronic, Abbott, Boston Scientific, Biotronik
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)Life Support
Emergency cardiac arrest prevention
Combines pacing and defibrillation. Automatically detects and terminates life-threatening arrhythmias (ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation). Subcutaneous (S-ICD) options available.
Transvenous or subcutaneous | Manufacturers: Medtronic, Boston Scientific

Respiratory & Pulmonary Technologies

Devices for assessing lung function, supporting breathing, and delivering respiratory therapies.
SpirometerPulmonary Function
Measures lung volumes and airflow
Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), and flow-volume loops. Essential for COPD, asthma diagnosis and monitoring. ATS/ERS standards.
Manufacturers: Vyaire, ndd Medical, Cosmed
Peak Flow MeterAsthma Monitor
Measures peak expiratory flow rate
Simple handheld device for asthma self-management. Patients track PEFR to detect worsening control. Personal best values guide treatment adjustments.
Portable, low cost | Home monitoring standard
Mechanical VentilatorLife Support
Provides artificial breathing support
Invasive (via endotracheal tube) or non-invasive (mask) ventilation. Modes: volume control, pressure control, and adaptive support. Critical care and home settings.
Manufacturers: Hamilton, Draeger, Philips, Medtronic
NebulizerDrug Delivery
Aerosolized medication administration
Converts liquid medication into breathable aerosol. Used for bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and mucolytics. Jet, ultrasonic, and mesh nebulizer types.
Home and hospital use | Manufacturers: PARI, Philips, Omron
CapnographCO₂ Monitoring
Continuous end-tidal CO₂ measurement
Waveform capnography for ventilation adequacy assessment. Essential in anesthesia, ICU, and emergency settings. Detects hypoventilation, airway obstruction, and cardiac arrest.
Mainstream or sidestream | Manufacturers: Masimo, Medtronic, Philips

Genetics & Genomics Technologies

Platforms for DNA sequencing, analysis, and genetic manipulation.
DNA Sequencer (Sanger)First Generation
Capillary electrophoresis sequencing
Gold standard for single-gene sequencing, variant confirmation, and small amplicons. Read length: 500-1000 bp. 99.99% accuracy. Applied Biosystems platforms.
Manufacturer: Thermo Fisher (Applied Biosystems)
Next-Generation Sequencer (NGS)High Throughput
Massively parallel DNA sequencing
Illumina (sequencing by synthesis): 75-600 bp reads, up to 20 billion reads per run. Whole genome, exome, transcriptome. PacBio (SMRT): long reads 10-25 kb. Oxford Nanopore: real-time, ultra-long reads.
Manufacturers: Illumina, Thermo Fisher, PacBio, Oxford Nanopore
PCR Machine (Thermal Cycler)Amplification
DNA amplification by polymerase chain reaction
Exponential amplification of specific DNA sequences. Real-time qPCR enables quantification. Digital PCR for absolute quantification. Essential for diagnostics, research, and forensics.
Manufacturers: Bio-Rad, Thermo Fisher, Roche
Gel Electrophoresis SystemSeparation
DNA and protein size separation
Agarose or polyacrylamide gels separate molecules by size under electric field. Visualization with fluorescent dyes. Basic molecular biology technique.
Standard lab equipment | Manufacturers: Bio-Rad, Thermo Fisher
CRISPR-Cas9 SystemGene Editing
Precision genome modification
RNA-guided nuclease for targeted DNA cleavage. Applications: gene knockout, knock-in, base editing, and prime editing. Research tool; clinical trials ongoing for sickle cell, beta-thalassemia, and inherited blindness.
Commercial platforms: Intellia, CRISPR Therapeutics, Editas
Microarray SystemGenotyping
High-density probe arrays for genetic analysis
Detects single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), copy number variations, and gene expression. Used for ancestry, pharmacogenomics, and cancer profiling.
Manufacturers: Illumina, Thermo Fisher (Affymetrix)

Cellular & Longevity Technologies

Laboratory and therapeutic platforms for cell analysis, culture, and regenerative medicine.
Flow CytometerCell Analysis
Multi-parameter cell characterization
Lasers measure cell size, granularity, and fluorescent markers (up to 30+ parameters). Used for immunophenotyping, cell cycle analysis, and rare cell detection.
Manufacturers: BD Biosciences, Beckman Coulter, Sony, Cytek
Cell Sorter (FACS)Separation
Isolates specific cell populations
Fluorescence-activated cell sorting physically separates cells based on fluorescent markers. Enables isolation of rare populations (stem cells, circulating tumor cells) for downstream analysis.
Manufacturers: BD (FACSAria), Sony, Bio-Rad
Confocal MicroscopeHigh-Resolution Imaging
Optical sectioning of fluorescent samples
Pinhole eliminates out-of-focus light, enabling 3D reconstruction of cellular structures. Used for subcellular localization, live-cell imaging, and tissue sections.
Manufacturers: Zeiss, Leica, Nikon, Olympus
Electron Microscope (SEM/TEM)Ultra-Structure
Nanometer-resolution structural imaging
Scanning EM (surface topography) and Transmission EM (internal ultrastructure). Resolves organelles, viruses, and protein complexes. Requires vacuum and sample preparation.
Manufacturers: Thermo Fisher (FEI), JEOL, Hitachi
BioreactorCell Culture
Controlled cell growth environment
Stirred-tank, perfusion, or disposable systems for scaling cell production. Used for monoclonal antibodies, stem cell expansion, and tissue engineering. GMP-grade systems.
Manufacturers: Sartorius, Cytiva, Eppendorf, Thermo Fisher
Cryopreservation SystemBiobanking
Long-term storage at -80°C to -196°C
Controlled-rate freezers prevent ice crystal formation. Liquid nitrogen dewars for cell lines, tissues, and reproductive cells. Essential for cell therapy and biobanks.
Manufacturers: Thermo Fisher, Chart Industries

Metabolic & Hormone Technologies

Devices for metabolic monitoring, hormone measurement, and glucose management.
Blood Gas & Chemistry AnalyzerPoint-of-Care
Rapid blood biomarker measurement
Measures electrolytes, glucose, lactate, blood gases (pH, pCO₂, pO₂), and metabolites. Used in ICUs, emergency departments, and clinics. Results in minutes.
Manufacturers: Roche, Abbott, Siemens, Radiometer
Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM)Real-Time Glucose
Interstitial glucose trending
Subcutaneous sensor measures glucose every 1-5 minutes. Provides alerts for hypo/hyperglycemia. Revolutionized diabetes management. 7-14 day wear.
Manufacturers: Dexcom, Abbott (Freestyle Libre), Medtronic
Insulin PumpContinuous Delivery
Programmable insulin administration
Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII). Hybrid closed-loop systems integrate with CGM for automated insulin delivery (artificial pancreas).
Manufacturers: Medtronic, Tandem Diabetes, Insulet (Omnipod)
Metabolic CartEnergy Expenditure
Indirect calorimetry for metabolic rate
Measures oxygen consumption (VO₂) and carbon dioxide production (VCO₂) to calculate resting energy expenditure (REE). Used in critical care, obesity research, and sports science.
Manufacturers: Cosmed, Vyaire, ParvoMedics

Musculoskeletal & Movement Technologies

Bone density measurement, muscle activity recording, and movement analysis systems.
DEXA Scan (DXA)Bone Density
Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry
Gold standard for osteoporosis diagnosis. Measures bone mineral density (BMD) at spine, hip, and forearm. T-score determines fracture risk. Also measures body composition (fat, lean mass).
Manufacturers: Hologic, GE Healthcare, Norland
Electromyography (EMG)Muscle Activity
Records muscle electrical activity
Needle EMG (diagnostic) or surface EMG (biomechanics). Diagnoses neuromuscular disorders: neuropathy, myopathy, radiculopathy. Nerve conduction studies (NCS) combined.
Manufacturers: Natus, Cadwell, Noraxon
Motion Capture SystemBiomechanics
3D movement analysis
Optical (marker-based) or inertial (IMU) systems capture kinematic data. Used in gait analysis, sports performance, and rehabilitation research. Clinical gait labs.
Manufacturers: Vicon, Qualisys, Motion Analysis, Xsens
Force PlateGround Reaction Force
Measures kinetic parameters during movement
Piezoelectric or strain gauge platforms measure vertical and shear forces. Used for balance assessment, jump testing, and gait analysis. Clinical and research applications.
Manufacturers: Kistler, AMTI, Bertec

Vision & Ophthalmology Technologies

Imaging and diagnostic devices for eye examination and retinal assessment.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)Retinal Imaging
High-resolution cross-sectional retinal imaging
Light interferometry produces micrometer-resolution images of retinal layers. Essential for macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma. Anterior segment OCT for cornea.
Manufacturers: Zeiss, Heidelberg Engineering, Topcon, Optovue
Fundus CameraRetinal Photography
Captures images of the retina, optic disc, and vasculature
Non-mydriatic or mydriatic cameras. Documents diabetic retinopathy, hypertensive retinopathy, and optic nerve changes. Screening and monitoring tool.
Manufacturers: Canon, Zeiss, Topcon, Nidek
Slit Lamp (Biomicroscope)Anterior Segment
Detailed examination of eye structures
Illumination and magnification for cornea, lens, iris, and anterior chamber. Used in comprehensive eye exams, contact lens fitting, and pre/post-surgical evaluation.
Manufacturers: Zeiss, Haag-Streit, Topcon
Visual Field Analyzer (Perimetry)Field of Vision
Measures peripheral and central visual fields
Automated threshold perimetry detects visual field defects. Essential for glaucoma diagnosis and progression monitoring. Also for neurological and retinal conditions.
Manufacturers: Zeiss (Humphrey), Haag-Streit (Octopus)

Immune & Molecular Diagnostic Technologies

Platforms for protein detection, immunoassays, and biomarker analysis.
ELISA Reader (Plate Reader)Immunoassay
Quantifies enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays
Absorbance, fluorescence, or luminescence detection in microplates. Used for cytokine measurement, antibody detection, and biomarker quantification.
Manufacturers: Bio-Tek, Molecular Devices, PerkinElmer
Immunoassay AnalyzerClinical Chemistry
Automated protein and hormone measurement
Chemiluminescence, ELISA, or turbidimetry. Detects cardiac markers (troponin), hormones (TSH, cortisol), infectious disease antibodies, and tumor markers.
Manufacturers: Roche (Cobas), Abbott (Architect), Siemens, Beckman
Cytokine Analyzer (Multiplex)Multiplex Immunoassay
Simultaneous cytokine and chemokine measurement
Luminex xMAP, MSD (electrochemiluminescence), or bead-based arrays. Measures 10-100+ analytes from single sample. Essential for immunology research.
Manufacturers: Luminex, Meso Scale Discovery (MSD)

Full Body & General Diagnostic Imaging

Cross-sectional imaging modalities for whole-body assessment.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)Multi-Purpose
High-contrast soft tissue imaging
No ionizing radiation. Excellent soft tissue contrast. Used for brain, spine, musculoskeletal, abdominal, and cardiac imaging. Field strengths: 1.5T, 3T, and research 7T.
Manufacturers: Siemens, GE, Philips, Canon, United Imaging
Computed Tomography (CT)X-Ray Cross-Section
Rapid, detailed cross-sectional imaging
X-ray tube rotates around patient, detectors acquire attenuation data. High-resolution bone, lung, and vascular imaging. Low-dose protocols for screening.
Manufacturers: Siemens, GE, Philips, Canon, United Imaging
X-Ray (Radiography)Projection
Bone and chest imaging
Most common imaging modality. Digital radiography (DR) or computed radiography (CR). Chest X-ray for pneumonia, fractures for orthopedics, and abdominal series.
Manufacturers: Siemens, GE, Philips, Carestream, Fujifilm
Diagnostic UltrasoundReal-Time
Real-time soft tissue imaging
High-frequency sound waves produce real-time images. No ionizing radiation. Used for obstetrics, abdominal, cardiac (echocardiography), vascular, and musculoskeletal imaging. Portable units available.
Manufacturers: GE, Philips, Siemens, Fujifilm, Mindray, Butterfly (handheld)
Thermography (Infrared)Temperature Mapping
Detects surface temperature patterns
Infrared cameras detect thermal emissions. Used in breast health (adjunctive), inflammation assessment, and neurovascular disorders.
Manufacturers: FLIR, Meditherm

Wearable & Continuous Monitoring Technologies

Consumer and medical-grade devices for real-time health tracking.
Smartwatch (Consumer)Multi-Sensor
Continuous health and activity tracking
PPG for heart rate, accelerometry for activity, ECG for AFib detection, SpO₂. Sleep tracking, HRV, and workout metrics. FDA-cleared AFib detection on Apple Watch, Samsung, Fitbit.
Manufacturers: Apple, Samsung, Garmin, Fitbit (Google)
Medical-Grade Wearable ECGPrescription
Extended ambulatory cardiac monitoring
Patch or chest-strap devices for 1-30 day continuous ECG. Detects arrhythmias with higher sensitivity than consumer devices. Zio Patch, BodyGuardian, etc.
Manufacturers: iRhythm, Preventice (Biotronik), Philips
Fitness TrackerConsumer
Step count, activity, and basic vitals
Accelerometer-based step counting, sleep duration, calorie estimation. Lower cost than smartwatches. Popular for wellness tracking and behavioral interventions.
Manufacturers: Fitbit, Garmin, Xiaomi
Smart RingMinimalist
Sleep, HRV, and activity tracking
Optical sensors in ring form factor. Focus on sleep metrics, heart rate variability, and recovery. Longer battery life than watches.
Manufacturers: Oura, Ultrahuman, Circular
Continuous Vital Signs MonitorHospital Grade
Wireless patient monitoring
Patch or chest sensors continuously transmit heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, and SpO₂ to central stations. Reduces wire clutter and improves mobility.
Manufacturers: Masimo, Philips, GE, Medtronic

AI & Computational Health Technologies

Software platforms and algorithms for data analysis, prediction, and simulation.
Clinical AI Decision SupportFDA-Cleared
AI-assisted diagnosis and triage
FDA-cleared algorithms for radiology (stroke detection, pulmonary nodules), cardiology (ECG analysis), and ophthalmology (diabetic retinopathy). Over 800 FDA-cleared AI medical devices as of 2026.
Examples: Viz.ai, Aidoc, Caption Health, IDx-DR
Bioinformatics PlatformGenomics Analysis
DNA sequence analysis and interpretation
Cloud-based or local pipelines for variant calling, annotation, and clinical reporting. Secondary and tertiary analysis for NGS data.
Platforms: DNAnexus, Seven Bridges, Illumina BaseSpace
Digital Twin / Patient SimulationIn Silico
Virtual patient models for treatment planning
Computational models integrating patient data to simulate disease progression, drug response, or surgical outcomes. Clinical use in cardiovascular simulation.
Platforms: Simulia, HeartFlow (coronary), Insilico Medicine
AI Drug Discovery PlatformPharmaceutical AI
Generative and predictive drug design
Deep learning for molecule generation, property prediction, protein structure (AlphaFold), and binding affinity. Accelerates hit identification and lead optimization.
Platforms: Insilico Medicine, Recursion, Schrödinger, Exscientia

Emerging & Future Biomedical Technologies

Technologies in research, development, or early clinical validation phases.
Cellular Reprogramming SystemsIn Vivo
Partial epigenetic reprogramming for rejuvenation
Transient expression of Yamanaka factors (OSKM) to reverse cellular aging markers while preserving identity. In vivo proof-of-concept in mice. Human trials not yet initiated.
Research: Altos Labs, Life Biosciences, Turn Biotechnologies
Organ-on-Chip (Microphysiological)Drug Testing
Human-relevant tissue models
Microfluidic devices containing living human cells that replicate organ-level function. Lung, liver, kidney, gut, and multi-organ platforms. Reduces animal testing, improves drug development.
Manufacturers: Emulate, TissUse, Mimetas, CN Bio
3D BioprintingTissue Engineering
Additive manufacturing of living tissues
Layer-by-layer deposition of cells and biomaterials. Current applications: skin grafts, cartilage, vascular grafts. Research: solid organs (liver, kidney). Clinical translation ongoing.
Manufacturers: CELLINK, Organovo, Allevi, Rokit
Nanomedicine & Targeted DeliveryMolecular
Cell-specific drug delivery
Lipid nanoparticles (LNP) for mRNA and siRNA delivery. DNA origami, exosomes, and cell-penetrating peptides for targeted therapeutics. FDA-approved LNP for COVID vaccines, gene therapies.
Platforms: Moderna, Alnylam, Intellia, Beam Therapeutics
In Vivo Gene EditingCRISPR Therapeutics
Direct in-body gene correction
CRISPR-Cas9 delivered via viral vectors or LNPs to target tissues. Approved: Casgevy (sickle cell, ex vivo). In vivo trials: Leber congenital amaurosis, transthyretin amyloidosis.
Companies: Intellia, Editas, CRISPR Therapeutics, Beam