Medical Device Link.

Heal and Run—A New Stent M.O.
-Shana Leonard

Now you see stents; soon you won’t. That could be the case, at least, if bioabsorbable stents live up to their hype.

Since the first bare-metal stent was approved for use in the United States 15 years ago, stent manufacturers have been plagued by the problem of stent thrombosis.

Access the archives of recent MPMN Webcasts

Emerging Technologies Showcase
• Improving Process Control in Medical Device Assembly
• Is It Time to Start Thinking About Automation?
• Tubing: Doing More with Less

Owing to the rise of hospital-acquired infections, as well as associated reimbursement issues, battling bacteria has become a priority for healthcare facilities. With this in mind, medical device OEMs are turning to a range of silver-based antimicrobial coatings to protect in-dwelling and implantable devices from dangerous biofilm formation. The July issue of MPMN includes a special feature that delves into several suppliers' offerings in the realm of antimicrobial coatings for medical applications. Plus, you'll also find a feature on green packaging, as well as an article on a new lithography technique that does not require UV light, an Outsourcing Outlook on converting and die-cutting, a Spotlight on electronic components, and much more!

We've Got Our Fingers on the Pulse of the Industry

Medtech Pulse will deliver the latest headlines, emerging tech breakthroughs, regional medtech information, supplier and industry news, and everything else you need to know to assist you in medical device design and development.

Read the latest posts from Medtech Pulse:

• Nanosized Assassins Wack Bacteria
• Comco's Microabrasive Equipment Can Deburr PEEK Implants
• Jamestown Plastics Expands Two Facilities
• New Scale Offers Micromotor Developer Kits
• Biological Fuel Cell Breakthrough Could Empower Medical Devices

As medical devices and their associated components continue to shrink, manufacturing needs can change. Smaller feature sizes and parts often require more-precise capabilities and different tooling. To accommodate the medical device trend of miniaturization, suppliers are offering up new processes and equipment designed specifically for micromanufacturing. In the June issue, MPMN explores micromanufacturing for medical device applications in addition to the challenges, equipment needs, and capabilities associated with this niche field. Also in this issue is a Regional Focus on Washington, an Outsourcing Outlook on cleanroom manufacturing and assembly, a Product Update highlighting gas-sensing technologies, and much more!

With overviews, first-time exhibitor profiles, and tips for your time in New York, MPMN is your premier source for preshow coverage of MD&M East. Check in with our online-exclusive MD&M coverage each week as we add more preshow features and information. Plus, check out our bonus coverage of the Medical Design Excellence Awards. Gold and silver distinctions will be announced at the show.

• Tech Update: Small Companies Compete Using Custom Equipment and Automated Processes
• University Researchers Develop Fastest Camera in the West
• Graphene Gives Gold Nanoparticles Some Stability

• Contract medical equipment manufacturer Spacelabs Healthcare (Issaquah, WA) is celebrating its 50th anniversary and has launched a new Web site.
  
  
• Material-handling systems provider Intelligrated Inc. (Cincinnati) has acquired the North and South American operations of FKI Logistex (St. Louis), a supplier of material-handling equipment, and RFID and palletizing systems.
  
  
• Read More...