Medical Device Link.

Extremely few new polymeric materials become adopted by the medical device industry. This is partly because of the quality of existing materials and partly a consequence of the high costs of introducing new ones. The polyaryletherketones, especially polyetheretherketone (PEEK) has broken this trend and is rapidly emerging as a contender for high performance implantable applications.

Coatings that mediate the interface between biological tissue and implant are arguably some of the most critical material components that affect the performance of a medical device. Developments in coatings for catheters and stents are reviewed here and include biodegradable and cell signalling coatings that are currently in clinical trials.

A biocompatible and highly lubricous hydrophilic coating has been developed for intermittent urinary catheters. The coating has additives incorporated into it, which reduce the drying out of the catheter when it is inserted into the urethra, and antimicrobial agents can be incorporated into it to minimise the trauma associated with catheterisation.

The use of silicones, although already extensive, is set to grow in medical electronics. Silicones used in medical device applications as tubing or moulded parts should also be considered for electronic applications in the same device. This article outlines the potential reduction in complexity that this solution offers. Benefits include eliminating negative materials interactions and avoiding bonding problems.

A new approach to designing delivery shafts is described in this article. The approach employs finite element analysis methodology to find optimal solutions to design problems in shaft performance and to significantly reduce development timelines. The steps of the process and its advantages are described.

It is estimated that more than 750,000 people suffer a stroke each year in Europe. An implantable neurostimulator is being developed to improve impaired upper limb function that results from stroke. Its mode of operation and early clinical trial results are reported.

A change in perspective and an expansion in knowledge are required if society is to benefit from nanomedical products. As more products become a reality, the current concept of “disease” may be set to undergo a paradigm shift.

This article discusses the selection of adhesives for catheter bonding and provides insights into joint design, adhesive curing, and dispensing techniques.

Optimising the major components of a laser stent machining platform will lead to improved part quality and machine throughput. Mechanical, control and software elements are reviewed here. Trends in stent design are also discussed together with their implications on these machine design elements.

Switzerland has a population of seven million and approximately 600 medical technology companies are located there. This equates to one company per 12 thousand people and arguably the highest density in the world. The factors that make the country a successful place to do business are outlined in this interview with Professor Bestetti, Head of the CTI Medtech initiative.

MEDTEC UK is the only exhibition in the UK dedicated to medical device design and manufacturing. Offering the latest innovations from a host of suppliers, four new speciality areas, research and development resources and a technical conference, this event provides you with the information and tools to maximise your progress and profit in 2008.

Medical Device Technology’s (MDT) new series of short interviews offers a range of personal perspectives on the diverse and dynamic medical device technology industry. Here, we talk to Duncan Keeble, Director of Product Development for Lombard Medical, Cardiovascular Devices Division.

Can a product that incorporates nonviable human tissue be regulated as a medical device in Europe? Is a product that includes viable tissues or cells of animal origin regulated as a medical device? Is a product that incorporates a human blood derivative regulated as a medical device? This article discusses the scope of the medical device Directives and the regulatory status of products that are excluded.