Medical Device Link.

 

May 2006
Medical Device Technology
Selected Contents

Materials

Quantum Dots in Medical Technology
D.F. Williams

During the past few years, the rapidly emerging technology of quantum dots has started to have an impact on the techniques of molecular and cellular imaging in medicine. Their advantages are examined here.

Design

The Evolution of Lab-On-A-Chip: The Micro-Tele-BioChip
A. Schoth, R. Jurischka, C. Blattert, I. Tahhan, and H. Reinecke

The vision of multianalyte point-of-care diagnostics (POCT) is a handheld device that every patient can use easily for continuous monitoring of, for example, drug efficiency in the treatment of chronic diseases. Technologies are needed to realise this vision. Some are described here in the prototyping and industrial production of a disposable chip for the Micro-Tele-BioChip (µTBC) platform. µTBC is a technology platform that can be customised to meet specific requirements in drug safety and POCT.

New Markets for Small and Smart Medical Products
U. Kleinkes

Miniaturised devices that employ micro- and nanotechnologies will play a major role in future medical treatment and technology. In addition to 35 already commercialised nanomedical products,1 there are new market opportunities on the horizon including self-medication with small and smart devices. These and their drivers as well as current hurdles are examined here.

Improving the Deliverability of PCI Catheters

A recent study assessing views of interventional cardiologists on the performance of catheters used in angioplasty, also known as percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI), indicates that there is a need for improvement in the catheter. The particular areas of improvement are reviewed here with some hypotube shaft solutions that promise to improve catheter deliverability.

Simulated Testing in Medical Device Design
S. Kenny and E. McDermott

Bench-top testing of a typical catheter is described here to show how early prototype evaluation can decrease product development time. Trackability and pushability are assessed and compared using some novel laboratory tests, which can be applied to a variety of medical devices.

Manufacturing

Microelectrodischarge Machining
R. Hoyle

How to machine microfeatures and parts of a few microns in size in many different materials.

Regulations & Standards

US Regulation of Advertising and Promotional Materials
M.E. Donawa

Medical device manufacturers do not always properly control the development of new or modified promotional labelling and advertising materials. This lack of control can lead to unexpected regulatory problems. This article discusses United States requirements for these materials and the type of controls that companies should exercise.

Markets

Why One Health-Care IT Market in Europe is Essential
K. Smedema

The successful international interoperability programme, IHE, should be the model to use for a Europe-wide ehealth solution. This is advocated by COCIR, the European Coordination Committee of the Radiological, Electromedical and Healthcare IT Industry, which also calls on the European Commission to support this industry initiative.

Outlook France

Some of the changes influencing the promising market prospects in France are reported here.

Business

The Innovator will Prevail in Glucose Monitoring
M.J. Green

As well as the expanding diabetes market for glucose-monitoring devices, there are other applications for these products and opportunities for companies with the will to innovate. One area that is explored here is the intensive care unit.

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