This perspective provides a commentary on the quality of life improvements made available from advances in medical device technology. An opinion of the elements necessary to bring innovation into medical device research is offered. In order to enhance the output of medical device research, strong interactive links are needed between clinicians and researchers to ensure research activities are focused on the needs of patients. Alliances with industry umbrella groups can support these links and facilitate the commercialization of new ideas generated from the research. Several forecasts for the medical device market obtained from other sources are also presented.