What are three examples of medical spinoffs from the space program?

Artificial joints

The development of artificial joints used in hip replacement surgery was directly influenced by the space program's search for improved materials for rocket nozzles. The search for strong, lightweight, wear-resistant materials for aerospace components led to the discovery of new alloys and polymers ideally suited for use in surgical implants.

Artificial heart valves

The Apollo program's development of a portable heart valve resuscitator provided a platform for the creation of artificial heart valves implanted in humans. The early versions were inspired by the one-way duckbill valves used in pumps for the Saturn V rocket's fuel system.

Ear thermometer

The infrared technology developed for heat control in spacecraft evolved to become a key component of the ear thermometer, a non-invasive medical device that measures body temperature, primarily for infants.