 January/February 2007
Medical Device Technology Selected Contents
Materials The Interface Between Biomaterials Science and Biotechnology David Williams
Biotechnology has evolved over the years, moving on from crop protection to drug discovery. Similarly, biomaterials science has moved forward from implantable medical device technology to drug and gene delivery and tissue engineering. It was perhaps inevitable that they should eventually meet.
Modifying Surfaces and Interfaces For Improved Biomaterial Performance
P. Vadgama
Greater understanding of the fundamental processes that drive a body’s response to an implant material is leading to new approaches in biomaterial surface engineering. Some recent work is reported. The discussion looks, respectively, at the important roles of the surface water layer and microscopic molecular domains, the new emphasis on conducting polymers and future developments.
Improving the Surface Friction of Silicone Elastomer Parts
E. L. Klaassen
The relatively high coefficient of friction of silicone elastomers can limit the range of applications of these materials. A liquid silicone rubber top coat can be used to improve surface friction of silicone elastomer parts. It can be applied using conventional coating methods. The performance benefits it offers and potential product applications are described.
Design Design Reuse and Medical Devices K. Hall
Design reuse is an important factor in consumer electronics, where removing the burden of designing basic functions for each product can realise critical savings in time to market and delivered cost. But designers of medical devices must be more circumspect and selective to gain tangible advantages from design reuse. Sample Preparation in Lab-on-a-Chip Systems K.S. Drese, F.v. Germar and M. Ritzi
Fully integrated lab-on-chip systems are relatively rare, and no current system can claim to be able to perform all the roles of a laboratory. This article outlines ways of combining specific single modules to form a fully integrated lab-on-a-chip system for deoxyribonucleic acid analysis.
Fostering Innovation and Collaboration
C. Ansell
The Health Technologies Knowledge Transfer Network is taking active steps to foster innovation and collaboration. Users of its Internet portal can access a range of valuable tools to aid this process, including free virtual meeting facilities.
Manufacturing M. Tavakoli, A. Buxton,
I. Jones, B. Dance
This review of surface modification technologies focuses on the use of power beams, that is, lasers and electron beams, to modify polymer surfaces. A novel electron-beam materials processing technique is also described that offers scope for generating new types of surface functionality on metals used to construct stents and implants.
Adhesive Solutions for Medical Electronic Devices
P. Jones
Today’s adhesives provide more than just bonding. They play an important role in solving problems associated with thermal and electrical conductivity, shielding, grounding, sealing and vibration damping.
A Holistic Approach to Airflow Measurements in Clean Rooms
J. Govier
How and when to accurately measure airflow are important issues in achieving optimum efficiency in a clean room. This article describes the equipment to use, the pros and cons of those methods and adds to the current debate over frequency of measuring.
Using Manufacturing Marks to Identify Counterfeits R. Meylan
Manufactured objects can now be identified by individual characteristics, just as humans can be identified by their irises or fingerprints. Using microscopic imperfections generated by the manufacturing process and the raw materials used to produce an object, digital imaging technologies can generate a unique "imprint." Therefore, it is possible to identify and to trace a medical device during its entire life.
Regulations & Standards Insurance Coverage For European Device Clinical Studies M.E. Donawa
The requirements for insurance coverage of subjects participating in European medical device clinical studies, and the cost of this coverage, vary significantly throughout Europe. This article discusses this variability and the importance of identifying insurance coverage needs in the early stages of planning European clinical studies.
Market Place Innovation Lies at the Heart of Swiss Appeal A New Standard in Pick and Place Precision Laser Tube Cutting With Minimal Kerf This Month Developments Across the Industry • Complement activation standard
• Growing demand for biomaterials • Irish clinical trials must increase • Closing the gap • More jobs in Germany • Reaching too far • Lack of nano safety
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