Russian scientists have developed a new laser which can correct eyesight without cutting the surface of the eye. Laser surgery to restore eyesight has been performed for nearly two decades, and every year the procedure becomes safer and easier. Currently, it can be done using two lasers, one opening the eye's surface and the other working with the cornea itself. But soon even this futuristic technology may seem ancient as true technology of the 21st Century steps in.

“Our laser is able to penetrate the eye's cornea without damaging its surface. As a result we can make the needed changes inside the eyeball without having to open it first,” shares Konstantin Lapshin, senior researcher at Physics Instrumentation Centre. The femtosecond laser generates impulses of light less than one billionth of a second long. Such beams can cut or evaporate matter when several lasers are aimed at one spot.

Read more: Laser Eye Correction Without Cornea Loss

St. Jude Medical, Inc. makes the “Brio” system, which is a pacemaker-like device used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Its currenlty the world’s smallest, longest-lasting rechargeable deep brain stimulation (DBS) device for treating Parkinson’s symptoms. Slightly larger than a typical man’s watch, the neurostimulator has a thin 10 mm profile and weighs 29 grams (approximately 1 oz). The device also has the greatest recommended implant depth of any rechargeable DBS device, making the neurostimulator less noticeable and more comfortable for patients.

The system has received CE Mark approval of its Brio™ neurostimulator in 2009. In March 2010 it was approved by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration, however it hasn’t yet received FDA approval in the U.S.

Read more: Brio Deep Brain Stimulator for Parkinson’s Disease

AxoGen, Inc. has announced its U.S. market launch of AxoGuard™ Nerve Protectorand AxoGuard™ Nerve Connector for the treatment of peripheral nerve injuries. With licensed technologies from the University of Florida, the University of Texas, and Emory University, researchers at AxoGen have developed an innovative technology platform making it possible to process allograft nerves while preserving the relevant characteristics of the three dimensional scaffold of the nerve tissue.

Read more: AxoGen launches AxoGuard Nerve Protector and Nerve Connector

Non-invasive body sculpting may soon be the next big thing in body contouring. Traditionally, plastic surgeons rely on variations of liposuction procedures to treat problematic fat tissue. Ultrasound body sculpting is not yet FDA approved in the US, but this non-invasive technology may soon be at their disposal.

The UltraShape aims to achieve targeted reduction of fat tissue by focusing ultrasound energy that causes permanent disruption of fat cells without damage to the epidermis, dermis or underlying tissues and organs.

Read more: UltraShape - Focused Ultrasound Body Contouring

Didrick Medical have developed the X-Finger. It's is the world’s first active-function artificial finger assembly designed specifically for partial finger amputees. The device allows users to regain complete control of the flexion and extension movements of an artificial finger in a self-contained device. An optional silicone sheath can be fitted over the mechanics to reveal a realistic looking finger that was never lost.

The Xfinger is not powered, but rather relies on the movement of the remaining muscle. However the simplicity and no need for power is what makes the device so comfortable and natural.

Read more: The Xfinger by Didrick Medical

In July Cochlear announced its latest hearing implant system the Nucleus 5. It then recieved FDA approval in September to begin selling in the US. It consists of the next generation implant and next generation external processor. The Nucleus 5 is the worlds thinnest cochlear implant and is 40 per cent thinner and two-and-a-half times stronger than the previous device.

Both the implant and external processor are compatible with the current Nucleus Freedom cochlear implant system, so the implant and the external processor can be released independently. Five research trials have shown that the Nucleus 5 speech recognition scores are higher than with other cochlear implant systems. Its built to last a lifetime and the wearer can relax around water with the water resistant sound processor.

Read more: Cochlear Nucleus 5 Hearing Implant

Electrical muscle stimulation or EMS, causes muscle fibers to become 'trained' without having to exercise with weights. It works by delivering electric impulses through electrodes on the skin directly above to the muscles to be stimulated. They then contract as a result. The repetitive contractions at certain frequencies is what trains the muscles.

Muscle simulators come preset with different programs, which cause varied responses from different muscle fiber types. Some programs are designed to improve fatigue resistance and improve endurance, while others will increase strength. Electrical muscle stimulation can be used both as a training and a therapeutic tool.

Read more: Difference Between Electrical Muscle Stimulation and TENS

"Deep Brain Stimulation" - electrodes are implanted into the brain of a woman suffering from severe long-term depression. The idea of this man-machine merger could be thought of as disturbing but if it makes a persons life better then perhaps its OK. In the future these "brain pacemakers" will be used for other neurological and psychiatric conditions besides depression, e.g. epilepsy, Tourette's Syndrome, and possibly even autism and Alzeihmer's.

The settings on the woman's brain implant are fine-tuned. This is described as a "real roller coaster ride" because "they switch it one way and almost instantaneously you could be crying". But get it right and she's happy. It just goes to show how the human brain really is reliant on chemical balance and electrical stimulation.

Read more: Brain Implants For Combating Depression