November/December 2009
Medical Device Technology
Selected Contents
MATERIALS
Material Matters Column: Live Cells and Cytotoxicity Assessment
David Williams
Problems with the use of conventional cytotoxicity tests to evaluate biological risk with biomaterials are leading to the development of alternative procedures based on cell function. These tests, recently discussed at a conference in China, provide an attractive option for the future.
DESIGN
S. Dahms, J. Uckelmann and U. Michelsen
The small size, low power consumption and attractive price of micropumps make them ideal for use in medical delivery systems. This article discusses two designs of closed-loop controlled micropumps that can be employed to meet differing levels of accuracy and portability.
Isolating USB Connections in Medical Equipment
J.H. Broeders
Although offering several benefits, the universal serial bus port has not been rapidly adopted for connecting medical equipment. This is because it could affect safety procedures, with equipment not operating isolated from the mains. To overcome this, a single package isolation device has been developed that can be inserted directly into the USB signal path.
G. Mayer, V. Knappertz and P. Kinast
For patients with a chronic condition such as multiple sclerosis (MS) who self-administer injectable therapies, comfort is important. This article reports on a comparison study of needles used to administer MS therapies and calls for medical device manufacturers to develop needles with decreased penetration forces to minimise trauma, which may increase patient comfort.
MANUFACTURING
Managing Risk for Silicone Tubing Applications
J. Curtis
Quality must be designed into medical devices, including into their raw materials and components. Operating according to the critical principles of medical device good manufacturing practices ensures that the silicone tubing incorporated into devices has the highest standards of quality and safety.
S. Feary
As the development of complex manufacturing models and virtual companies become more prevalent in today’s growing global markets, it is increasingly important to support the relationships between manufacturer and supplier. Utilising these relationships will ensure that supply chains operate more effectively and reduce costs, risks and time-to-market time frames, whilst maintaining product quality.
REGULATION & STANDARDS
Maria Donawa
The requirements for conducting medical device clinical studies in Europe are not identical in all Member States. That is, variations exist in the way that the requirements in the European Directives are interpreted and enforced. This article provides an overview of the requirements that currently apply in Italy.
MARKET PLACE
Advantages of Flexible Assembly Automation Systems
Careful planning and design of an automated production system will optimise return on investment throughout the entire lifecycle of a product.
Ireland’s Medical Technology Industry
The Irish medical technology sector is looking strong and its competitive approach to the current economic climate is set to keep it that way.
THE INTERVIEW
Medical Device Technology’s (MDT) series of interviews offers personal perspectives on the diverse and dynamic medical device technology industry. Here, we talk to Dr Mark Begbie.
