European Medical Device Technology, January 2010, Volume 1, No. 1

Urinary catheters and other urological devices are used in enormous numbers worldwide. Yet, their use increases the patient’s risk of contracting a urinary tract infection. This review of developments introduced to mitigate this risk asks for a basic redesign of the catheter. 

In response to the need for higher manufacturing output, packaging consistency and increased validation scrutiny, packaging material suppliers have introduced new packaging formulations. This article examines the benefits of using peelable materials for the fabrication of flexible packaging for medical devices.

Today’s device designers and manufacturers are challenged to meet a wide and sometimes conflicting range of requirements. These include regulatory restrictions, market perceptions, pressure to contain costs and the changing materials supply landscape. Specialty polymers can provide solutions to many of these hurdles by supplying the optimum balance of properties, performance and compliance for each application.

When put closely together, the forces between magnetic objects can be enormous. However, using magnets to manoeuvre objects over larger distances is not easy. This article describes research developments in a European project1 that aims to manoeuvre and orient a camera capsule in the stomach and oesophagus by means of magnetic fields.

Replacing difficult to clean surfaces with flat, touch-sensitive screens could be the way forward in the fight against nosocomial infections. In addition incorporating printed light guide technology in hospital equipment allows ease of use and reduces the risk of human error.

Choosing the optimum adhesive for a medical device can be difficult. Help is provided here in determining the right adhesive for the application and making it work in production situations.

Some serious issues over the perceived role of biomaterials and medical devices in the cause and control of infection have been raised. This article discusses some of the implications of claims and counter-claims concerning these matters.

By 21 March 2010, companies marketing medical devices in Europe will need to demonstrate compliance with new and clarified European requirements on clinical data and other clinical requirements. Part 1 of this two part article discusses the requirements on clinical data and evaluation. Part 2 will address the requirements on clinical investigations, postmarket clinical follow up and conformity assessment of clinical data.

Rudy Lauwereins, Vice President Smart Systems Technology Office at IMEC talks about recent improvements to the design of deep brain stimualation electrodes. He describes a recently developed protoype and outlines his next goals.

Noteworthy new materials, components and equipment suited for medical technology applications

A fabricator of medical-grade metal tubing has invested in a fully integrated laser welder to boost production capacity and flexibility

A series of interviews from EMDT that offers personal perspectives on the diverse and dynamic medical device industry. Here we talk to Arne Hengerer.

Materials expertise and the ability to adapt to evolving customer requirements should be near the top of your checklist

Motors and Motion Control Products

New Literature, CD-ROMs, Videos and Podcasts