May/June 2009
Medical Device Technology
Selected Contents
MATERIALS
Material Matters Column: The Technology of Bacterially Derived Polymers
David Williams
Twenty years ago, evidence of the lack of biodegradability in a family of supposedly biodegradable polymers caused the curtailment of interest in the potential commercial applications of this family. Now that has all changed following some innovative polymer chemistry and recombinant DNA technology.
DESIGN
Standardising Analogue Front End Design for Ultrasound Imaging Systems
X. Xu, H. Venkataraman and A. Udupa
The standardisation of analogue front end products is allowing the development of portable ultrasound devices that provide enhanced image quality while minimising power consumption. The design opportunities associated with the use of these products are described.
The Future is Mobile and Wireless
Demand for mobile and wireless diagnostic and therapy devices is increasing and microsystems technology is helping to meet that demand.
Software Development Resolving the Conflict Between Speed and Compliance
D. Jennings
The use of modern software tools and processes can make a significant contribution to developing reliable software for medical devices. These techniques can help bring products to market more rapidly and cost-effectively because the production of compliance documentation is automated and ensures that quality control processes are strictly and demonstrably observed.
S. Lane
The lifecycles of many medical devices are extremely complex, as is their design process, which requires a great investment in time and expert procedures at all stages. This article highlights the critical issues to consider when embarking on a design project and how to reduce the risks involved in long life cycles.
MANUFACTURING
A Method for Joining Polymers and Metals or Polymers and Ceramics
J. Holtkamp and A. Olowinsky
A recently developed laser fusion technique allows polymers to be attached to metals and ceramics in short cycle times. The process and its capabilities are reviewed together with its growing range of applications.
Developments in Multicavity Hot Runner Tooling
P. Glendenning
Technological developments in specific areas of multicavity hot runner systems are improving quality control and repeatability and reducing cycle times. Advances such as closed loop filling control of multicavity moulds within the mould itself, servo-actuated valve gates and synchronised valve stems are discussed.
Laser Micro Machining of Medical Devices
Y. Rausch
Excimer and increasingly ultra-short-pulsed lasers are important tools in the creation of microstructures and nanostructures. Capabilities of the latest systems are described, which include drilling 30-µm diameter holes in 50 to 100 µm thick metal foils and subsurface engraving of transparent materials.
Benefits of Coextruded Micro Tubing
R. Ziembinski
Coextruded tubing products offer additional functions through multiple material combinations and facilitate secondary assembly processes. This article presents four applications in which coextruded micro tubings have solved problems and reaped significant advantages: infusion therapy, regional anaesthesia, micro dialysis and parenteral feeding.
REGULATION & STANDARDS
Meeting US and European Supplier Control Requirements
Maria Donawa
Medical device manufacturers operating under European quality system requirements are sometimes surprised to learn that their supplier control procedures do not fully meet United States (US) requirements. This article discusses important differences between US and European requirements for controlling suppliers.
MEDICAL DESIGN EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Design and Engineering Achievements
The winners of the 2009 Medical Design Excellence Awards have been announced. Judged by a panel of impartial, multidisciplinary third-party jurors, 32 winners have been selected in 10 product categories. Some of them are described here. For details of all the winners, go to www.devicelink.com/expo/awards/home/
MARKET PLACE
The US Market: Moving Towards Greater Evidence-Based Pricing
As health care expenditure rises in the United States, experts are calling for comparative effectiveness research to help decision makers determine whether therapies and tests are reasonable or necessary.
Online Exclusive: Electrochemical Machining Technology For Increased Productivity
An electrochemical machine combines speed, accuracy and surface quality to offer a new approach to the precise and rapid machining of hard metals, say its developers.
ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: MARKET PLACE PRODUCTS
THE INTERVIEW
Medical Device Technology’s (MDT) series of interviews offers personal perspectives on the diverse and dynamic medical device technology industry. Here, we talk to Dr Bin He.
