Medical Device Link.

 

January/February 2006
Medical Device Technology
Selected Contents

Materials

Material Matters Column: New Thoughts on CJD, Surgical Instruments and Disease Transmission
D. Williams

For most people, the threat of widespread transmission of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease in humans as a result of bovine spongiform encephalopathy has passed into the history books. But concerns about transmission of the disease during certain medical procedures still exist.

Plasma-Enhanced Parylene Coating
J. Bienkiewicz

Medical devices can benefit from improved surface properties after parylene coating. This article compares traditional parylene coating with plasma-enhanced parylene coating. It explains the processes involved and reports some results.

Other Approaches to Fighting Cardiovascular Disease: Stem Cells and Engineered Tissue
C. Mason

Technologies such as vessels and cardiac patches grown in the laboratory are being developed to treat heart disease. This article reviews the progress so far with these and other regenerative-medicine products.

Design

Human Motion Analysis
D. Hodgins

Huge market potential exists for products that will help the growing elderly population live independent lives for as long as possible. Sensors play an essential role in many of the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment devices to be used in the home. Some of the innovations in this area are reported.

Employing Infrared Wireless Communications
F. Rodriguez

Infrared wireless communication offers medical equipment designers features such as data-transfer security and noninterference with clinical equipment. This article explores the advantages of the technology over other wireless communication systems.

Manufacturing

How Clean Is Your Clean Room?
J. Govier

After investment in a clean room, cleanliness, sanitisation or sterility is essential to ensuring it operates at the highest standard. This article advises on the products and maintenance procedures to achieve this.

Regulations & Standards

Regulations & Standards Column: Proposed Amendments to the Medical Devices Directives
M.E. Donawa

As 2005 came to a close, the European Commission issued its formal proposal for a Directive amending the medical devices Directives. This article discusses certain aspects of the proposed amendments and encourages readers to review them in their entirety.

Chinese Translations: From Legal Requirement to Business Enabler
S. Andriesen

The complexity of the Chinese language and scripts can make it difficult to translate instructions for use. Some guidelines are provided here to help ensure that the legal requirements are met.

Business

Look to the Future and Embrace the Changes
J. Hogan

Scenario-planning to test the product development pipeline.

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