Compared to the other branches of technology that promise to revolutionize medicine in the foreseeable future, namely, biochemical and information technology, medical device technology has deep ties with the medical fraternity. Physicians have driven the development of numerous devices to aid their practice in the past. Indeed, one of the defining aspects of the bond between the patient and physician, the stethoscope, was invented by a doctor. This month's issue highlights some of the ethical issues that have arisen from the recent proliferation of medical devices and offers a glimpse at the ethical hurdles that can be expected from the expansion of medical technologies.