FROM THE EDITORS
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Please allow me to use this space to explain what this magazine is about, and what we hope it can do for you.
Medical devices are getting smaller and smaller, which is increasing industry’s reliance on precision manufacturing technology. And that means an entirely different set of expectations are emerging when it comes to making the devices and components for these applications. Things like manufacturing tolerances and materials selection have to be considered differently than for conventional medical device manufacturing.
We’ve chosen to focus on the orthopedics, cardiological, and general surgery sectors because these are the areas where advances in precision technology are having the most significant impact.
Med-Tech Precision will be devoted to exploring those differences and advising our readers on how best to navigate them. It will also be able to focus on concerns exclusive to manufacturers of orthopedics, cardiological devices, and general surgery instruments.
As examples, consider the features we have prepared for this debut issue. Two of them tackle design and materials-selection considerations that those making precision products in the orthopedics market need to be aware of.
Polycarbonate-urethane (PCU) has great potential for use in orthopedics, argue Richard Treharne, PhD, and Alex Greene of Active Implants Corp. (Memphis). In particular, the evidence is strong that PCU is better suited as a hip-implant material than ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene, which has been a staple of those devices for 40 years. Does it make sense for hip-implant designers to make this shift? Judge for yourself.
Bioceramics may very well be the future of joint healing. They are now being developed to repair defects in bone, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. They could even eliminate the need for total joint replacement for a vast number of patients. Deborah Schenberger, PhD, and Marco Bafan of Nerac Inc. (Tolland, CT) will tell you how.
A third feature tackles manufacturing issues for cardiological and other products that demand tighter tolerances and require multiple functions. The latest advances in machine technology can make those demands a reality. Freelance writer Beth Orenstein found out about some of them, and summarizes how they can solve certain manufacturing quandaries.
We also have an interview with implant-design veteran John Slamin, who has a number of insights about the design of knee implants.
We hope you enjoy our offerings, and we welcome any feedback.
