Components
Blackrock Neurotech’s Utah array is used in its brain-computer interface implant to sense brain signals. [Photo courtesy of Blackrock]
This gold-standard brain-computer interface technology is creating a platform for better patient outcomes.
Blackrock – 2022
5 steps to help medical device makers deal with semiconductor shortages
With the global chip shortage expected to continue into 2023, device developers and manufacturers are taking action to keep the lines moving.
MDO: AdvaMed and Deloitte – 2022
How fluorescent signals could allow for deeper sensor implants in the brain
MIT engineers have developed a photonic technique for fluorescent sensors that could improve sensor signals deep in the body.
MDO: MIT – 2022
The next-gen Micra AV is the size of a large vitamin pill — the same as its predecessor. [Image courtesy of Medtronic]
Medtronic’s Micra pacemakers are one-tenth the size of what was previously out there. How the medtech giant did it provides lessons for anyone looking to shrink an implantable device.
MDO: Medtronic – 2021
What is a proportional isolation valve?
A “proportional” isolation valve can bring the next level of control and design for engineers, especially in life science industries.
Clippard – 2021
How to design the best check valve for your medical device
An elastomeric check valve ensures that regardless of any back pressures in the system, there isn’t a reverse flow causing cross-contamination.
Vernay – 2021
Six degrees of freedom can boost minimally invasive surgical techniques
Tiny and precise, smarter 6DOF wire-winding technologies can increase surgical access and improve outcomes.
TT Electronics – 2021
Advanced glass diffusers bring precision light delivery to the brain
Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) has proven to be a successful and efficient treatment method for various brain diseases.
Schott North America – 2021
Which type of motor is better for disposable surgical power tools?
Motor technology is often a critical choice for design engineers working on disposable surgical tools — specifically the selection of either a brush DC or brushless DC motor.
Portescap – 2020
How to select the best power supply for your stepper or servo motor application
Stepper, servo, and DC Brush motors have unique power supply requirements. Here’s an analysis of the three primary power supply architectures and their pros and cons.
Teknic – 2020
Gas and liquid valves can improve medtech performance and efficiency: Here’s how
Miniature solenoid valves’ continued evolution makes them valuable and effective components for controlling the flow, direction and pressure of gases and fluids.
Emerson Automation Solutions – 2020
Mini factories in containers help reduce mask shortages
Decentralized systems from Mikron are helping to ensure supply in times of a pandemic. Festo is a key development partner.
Mikron – 2020
How high-frequency interconnections affect microwave ablation systems
Microwave ablation systems provide nonsurgical methods for treating internal cancers and tumors. This application requires the right cable assemblies to achieve optimum performance.
Times Microwave Systems – 2020
Smaller may be better, but can also be trickier and more expensive
The trend toward shrinking technology has some high-level implications for the design and development of regulated medical devices.
Betten Systems Solutions – 2019
How to have the right sensor for your medical IoT job
If the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) is truly to become a reality, sensors will be an important part of the equation.
TE Connectivity – 2019
What is microhydraulics and where is it used?
Microhydraulics enable significant force from a minimal power source within a tiny space — ideal for medical orthotic and prosthetic equipment, exoskeletons and more.
Fluid Power World – 2019
5 reasons to use titanium alloy springs
Titanium’s properties make it cost-effective for manufacturing springs for medical devices.
Newcomb Spring – 2019
4 steps to precisely control motor velocity at low speed
Low-speed precision velocity control is all in the filtering.
Performance Motion Devices – 2019
What medical design engineers need to know about VCA (voice coil actuator) technology
Evolving from audio speakers to medical devices, voice coil actuator (VCA) technology has emerged as an extremely valuable solution for precision motion applications including ventilators, drug dispensing pumps, blood analyzers and other medical lab equipment.
Sensata Technologies – 2018
What is the difference between DC brushed and brushless motors?
Here is an overview of the factors you’ll need to consider when deciding between a DC brushed or brushless motor.
Maxon Motor – 2018
Beyond gaming: How joysticks enhance medtech
Multifunctional joystick technology solves complex interface challenges in a wide range of medical applications. Precision, quality, ergonomics and haptics are specially tailored into each medical joystick application to offer optimum control and a superior user experience.
RAFI-USA – 2018
What is a left ventricular assist device and how does it work?
A left ventricle assist device (LVAD) is a mechanical pump that attaches to the left ventricle of the heart to supplement the function of the pumping chamber.
Proven Process Medical Devices – 2018
What is a connector?A connector provides interconnection routes in medical electronic systems, giving a power pack or supply to multiple modules in an instrument.
Omnetics – 2018
How electronic skin tech is improving home wearable devices
Advances in form factors, such as electronic skin, are solving many of the problems in the wearability home health market.
VivaLNK – 2018
What is a lithium thionyl chloride battery and how does it work?
Under the broad category of primary lithium battery types, numerous types of primary (non-rechargeable) lithium battery chemistries are commercially-available that differ in their performance characteristics.
Tadiran Batteries – 2018
7 electronic design problems that boost medical device cost
When developing electronic devices, design for manufacturing (DFM) often takes a back seat without regard for the long-term consequences.
Valtronic – 2018
3 ways to integrate UVC LEDs into medical devices
Adding disinfection with UVC LEDs is a viable alternative to chemicals, according to Crystal IS. Here are three examples of how they can make a difference.
Crystal IS – 2017
Enabling micro-sensors for next-gen interactive implants
CerMet – an advanced ceramic and metal technology system – creates the potential for implantable devices with thousands of electrical channels. Think new options for treating blindness and neurological conditions.
Heraeus – 2017
How advanced lithium batteries enable medical devices to be miniaturized
Lithium batteries are allowing medical devices to become smaller and more ergonomic without sacrificing power or performance.
Tadiran Batteries – 2017
Why Flex is betting on stretchtronics for medtech
The wearable lab at Flex (formerly Flextronics) reports it’s making strides when it comes to creating devices that are transparent and seamless.
Flex – 2017
Imagining the future of heart pump technology
Companies are engineering the LVAD of the future to be smaller and more adaptable for individual patients.
Abbott – 2017
How Igus moving plastic components are enabling medtech innovation
Advanced plastic components maker Igus sees more medical sector opportunities. Here’s how its e-chains, bearings and linear systems are enabling innovation.
Igus – 2017
How to mitigate heating in a handheld surgical tool
Here are two main sources of power losses, and hence heating, when it comes to handheld surgical tool motors.
Maxon Motor – 2017
