Medical Device Link.

EDITOR'S PAGE

Follow the Money: Economics Infiltrates FDA

COVER STORY

Changes Give a New Shape to Machining
William Leventon

In today's machining arena, medical device firms are reaping a range of benefits, from lower prices to higher-quality parts.

Sidebar: Building Microstructures One Slice at a Time

MOLDING

Mass Production of Medical Devices by Metal Injection Molding
John L. Johnson

As the number of biocompatible metals available for injection molding increases, the process is becoming a practical option for manufacturers of implants and surgical instruments.

EXTRUSION

Critical Factors in Extruding Catheter Tubing from Polyamide
Sedigheh Farzaneh, Erik Andersen, and Abbas Tcharkhtchi

FIRST PERSON

Avoiding the Five Common Pitfalls of Clinical Trials

WASHINGTON WRAP-UP

Congress Enacts Device Law and Confirms FDA Chief
James G. Dickinson

Once-reviled user fees become law, with exemptions for smaller companies. New Commissioner Mark McClellan offers a clean slate.

R&D DIGEST:

• Geography Aids in Developing Wireless Microsensing Device
• Harvesting the Power of Body Heat
• Composite Organic Materials Could Yield Stronger Artificial Muscles
• New Technique Used to Create DNA Nanostructures

BULLETIN BOARD

Company announces launch of new heat-shrink tubing line; economical grade PBT can replace PET in select spunbond applications; catheters may benefit from company's surface coating; and more!

NEWS & ANALYSIS

• FDA Tightens Screws on DEHP Use
  
• Duluth as Trendsetter: Will Its Mercury Ban Catch On?
  
• For Medical Manufacturers, Timing Is Right for RF Implementation
  
• Nanotech Flexes its Muscle
• Hospital Reuse Widespread