Articles
Manipulating Materials for Orthopedic Implants
May 30, 2012 6:20 am | by Walter W. Heitmann | Memry Corp. | CommentsThe use of today’s advanced materials can be advantageous for orthopedic implants and instruments as they can offer a variety of benefits. However, they can also create challenges for developers concerned with getting the exact tolerances needed. Machining these materials to achieve the desired results is a service best outsourced to a solutions partner who is an expert with a given material.
‘Re³-inforced’ Converters for Maximized Patient Protection
May 30, 2012 5:32 am | by Jordi Torrebadell | CommentsSince medical electrical equipment must conform to a high safety standard, DC/DC converters are often used to provide the required electrical isolation. Reinforced isolation offers an additional level of safety beyond the standard, but up until recently, it was extremely difficult to find compact DC/DC converters with the large air and creepage distances required to meet the definition for reinforced isolation.
Challenging Channels: Successfully Designing Multi-Lumen Tubing
May 29, 2012 1:03 pm | by Linda Maher | Helix Medical | CommentsThe purpose of a multi-lumen tube is to enable different functions within the smallest diameter possible in order to promote less invasive procedures. The complexity of the tubing can vary from multi-lumen extruded tubing to reinforced and steerable catheters. This article provides information on the construction of these catheters.
Laser Micromachining for Manufacturing of Medical Implants
May 29, 2012 12:35 pm | by David L. Wall | Resonetics, LLC | CommentsOver the last four to five decades, the use of medical implants for therapeutic applications has exploded. Fueled not only by a better understanding of human physiology, but also by the development of minimally invasive procedures and advances in biocompatible materials, these devices challenged conventional manufacturing methods. Accordingly, the advent of laser micromachining technology has enabled many of these advances.
Challenges & Solutions for Micro Injection Molding
May 29, 2012 11:07 am | by Peter Szewczyk, BSME | CommentsBeing mindful of the challenges and obstacles that can impede success when specifying micro injection molding processes can aid designers when planning to use this option for elements of their product. This article provides a comprehensive look at many of the areas of concern for component fabrication at this size and also offers solutions to the problems.
Roller Pinion Motion Systems Improve Medical Equipment Accuracy and Efficiency
April 26, 2012 10:41 am | by Tony Kliber | CommentsRoller pinion technology combines the best attributes of existing motion control technologies while eliminating most of their limitations. Differing from a traditional rack and pinion system, a roller pinion system features a unique roller pinion and toothed rack combination. Though, similar to a pinion/rack combination, the teeth on the pinion are replaced with bearing-supported rollers, which engage a unique tooth profile to ensure high positional accuracy and the elimination of cumulative error.
Thermoplastic Material Solutions with High Heat Sterilization Capability
April 13, 2012 6:58 am | by Ton Hermans | CommentsThis article presents innovative material solutions supporting multi-use medical device applications. Respective materials support a broad range of application requirements, like transparency, property retention after autoclaving, colorability, and chemical resistance against commonly used disinfectants/cleaning agents.
Engineering the Dynamics of Pulsating Blood Flow
April 13, 2012 6:12 am | by Satya Karri, Ph.D. | CommentsWith cardiovascular diseases as the leading cause of death worldwide, device manufacturers are under immense pressure to produce products to address these health concerns. However, prior to launching such devices, the technologies need to be properly tested to ensure success. This article looks at setting up a system to simulate cardiac flow for testing these medical devices.
Long-Travel Piezomotors: New Innovations, New Solutions
March 22, 2012 10:43 am | by Scott Jordan and Stefan Vorndran | CommentsPiezoelectric actuation is the foundation for a myriad of mission-critical high-technology applications, from semiconductor manufacturing to genomic sequencing and medical devices. Known for nanometer precisions, piezoelectric principles are proving highly adaptable to new configurations and modalities. Recently-developed mechanisms built on a variety of novel applications of piezoelectric technology have burst through the former travel limitations familiar from classical nanopositioning mechanisms. But like those time-tested mechanisms, those built on these newer principles offer high axial force, exceptional speeds, compactness, fieldlessness, and stable position-hold without dither. These long-travel piezomotors offer valuable, proven solutions for engineers grappling with tough technical and economic needs.
How Silicone Swelling Improves Design and Your Bottom Line
March 6, 2012 6:27 am | by Jay Tourigny | CommentsSilicone’s inability to expand or stretch without mechanical or chemical assistance coupled with its tacky surface makes assembly with rigid parts difficult. Connecting flexible silicone tubing to barbed fittings or mating molded silicone parts with complex geometries can be frustrating, messy, and time-consuming. As the use of silicone in the medical device industry continues to grow, so does the need for innovative methods that allow design engineers to design the most effective medical devices in the most efficient way possible.
Preventing Protein Build Up on In-Vivo Devices and Biosensors
March 5, 2012 11:32 am | by John Marugg, Ph.D. | CommentsBiosensors are critical components of diagnostic devices. They are tiny, integrated circuit chips that transmit readings from within the body to an external component that displays data for physicians and patients. Biosensors have many applications including important roles in continuous glucose monitors, sensors that monitor cell health, and magnetic sensors associated with microlabels and microfluidic cartridges, just to name a few. A big obstacle facing biosensors that are implanted into the body is longevity.
Medical Adhesives Sector Sees Surge in Innovation
March 5, 2012 10:38 am | by Emily Berlin | CommentsThe adhesive-based medical device sector, relatively inactive for many decades, is seeing a surge of innovation. The sector continues to expand in the U.S., Europe, and Asia, with global sales expected to exceed $2 billion annually by 2015. Clinicians today have a broader selection of advanced medical adhesives to choose from than ever before.
America Invents Act: Start Planning Now
February 9, 2012 11:00 am | by Scott P. McBride and Guy W. Barcelona Jr. | CommentsOn September 16, 2011, the America Invents Act (the “Act”) was signed into law, marking arguably the most significant modification to the U.S. patent system since 1952. Although the default effective date is September 16, 2012, medical device companies should start making adjustments to their patent strategies now to better protect their investments in the future. In this article, three main modifications are discussed: the systematic change to first-to-file system; a broadening of applicable prior art; and additional patent office proceedings to challenge patentability.
Haptic-Based Design Software Plays Vital Role in Revision Hip Implant Case
February 9, 2012 10:05 am | by Kevin Atkins | CommentsDemand for personalized implants is increasing, since younger patients and longer life spans mean that more patients are receiving their first joint replacements earlier in their lifetime. When implant materials wear out, patients may need second or even third implants, called revision implants. Thermoplastic Products Corporation (TPC) uses Sensable’s Freeform to deliver them in a novel way—restoring patients to well being, while allowing their surgeon to experience computer-based surgical planning as well.
New Uses of Adhesives in Durable Medical Diagnostic Equipment
February 9, 2012 8:46 am | by Jeremy Cooler | CommentsDesign engineers for medical diagnostic equipment are acutely aware of the dramatic growth and change in the healthcare industry. Medical OEMs and contract manufacturers are looking for suppliers who can help them meet new industry and federal regulations, achieve the highest quality products, support new care approaches (including patient-controlled monitoring and treatment), and drive down manufacturing costs.
