Design
Failure Isn’t an Option
In today’s world of manufacturing, companies are looking for less expensive ways to make products smaller and faster. Although this is the case for OEMs that integrate printed circuit boards (PCBs) into their products, a required standard of quality keeps medical device OEMs...
Making Connections with Tubing and Suppliers
Shown here is a custom-designed taper connector set with proprietary threading to lock out several connectors, including other tapers, being employed on the same surgical set. There are thousands of different tubing connector options on the market today that provide medical...
Neurostimulation System Architecture
 The implantable neurostimulation system of today consists of four general subsystems--the pulse generator, the lead and electrode system, the physician programmer, and the patient controller (see Figure 3 in "Neurostimulation in the New Decade"). Pulse generator....
Neurostimulation in the New Decade
Disruptive innovation has defined the history of the medical device industry. Novel devices and procedures have replaced established medical practices in various medical markets for decades. For example, the first artificial knees and hips were developed in the 1930s, the first...
Improving the Product Design Process
During an economic depression it is vital for market innovators to prepare for the certainty of eventual recovery. Of course, it is difficult to make the necessary investments when companies are slashing budgets and reducing their staff. However, doing nothing to prepare for the...
Implementing Risk-Based Program Management
  Product Development Insight Hein Smit Sibinga Development programs are becoming more complex than ever, and advances in technology, scientific breakthroughs, regulatory change, globalization, and myriad other factors contribute to these complexities. These...
Audible Alarms in Medical Equipment
ALARM SYSTEMS Audible alarms serve multiple functions in medical equipment, not the least of which is that they protect manufacturers against liability. As device makers continue to integrate more functions into each piece of medical equipment, they must also incorporate more types...
Gender-Specific Device Designs Emerging as Trend
  NEWS TRENDS     Products designed for women will become widespread, predicts Christina Anné. Some device companies have been giving more attention to the anatomical differences and needs of the sexes. Is this just a marketing ploy or should...
The Tech Group Implements Quality System for New Insulin Device
  OUTSOURCING NEWS The FDA approval of Exubra, an inhaled insulin and delivery system by Nektar Therapeutics (San Carlos, CA), has garnered much attention in both the device and pharmaceutical industries. But to develop such a device, Nektar had to create powdered...
Student Teams Awarded for Breakthrough Medical Devices
INDUSTRY NEWS The NanoGraft device constructs vascular grafts from bone marrow stem cells. Newcomers to the device industry are often commended for their ability to look at problems from new angles or bring a fresh perspective to the table. That's the idea behind the...