All articles by chris cox
To outsource or not to outsource?
Some device manufacturers are cottoning on to the benefits that subcontracting to electronics manufacturing service providers can bring, but others are more reticent to take the plunge. Lavanya Rammohan, electronics and manufacturing research analyst at Frost & Sullivan, takes a look at the medical market’s outsourcing potential.
Joint venture: plastic’s progress
The use of plastics in joint replacements has evolved dramatically over the past few decades, and work continues to develop materials that will render implants more durable and robust. In some quarters, however, the use of traditional metallic alloys is still preferred. Medical Device Developments spoke to plastics expert Dr Yash Khanna about the need to spread awareness of the materials under development and how well plastics perform compared with metals.
Keep it in the company: a trend towards in-house development?
Adefemi Adenuga, industry dynamics analyst at GlobalData, asks whether a recent decline in the volume and value of deals in the medical device industry points to a growing preference for developing in-house capabilities.
Get your motor running: medical equipment in motion
As medical device technology drives advancements in motors and motion control, Roger Hollis of Sharp Concepts explains how this behind-the-scenes aspect of the healthcare industry is, in turn, fuelling innovation in new medical equipment.
Reforming European medical technology regulation
New demographic trends and financial pressures mean that the European medical technology industry has to change. John Brennan, director regulations and industrial policy at Eucomed, announces the launch of a five-year strategy that aims to transform the sector by making it more efficient, cost-effective and truly sustainable.
Assume the correct position
Any surgical operation comes with many risks, but the most overlooked are those complications that arise from improper positioning of the patient. From pressure sores due to poor mattress support through to nerve damage as a result of use of the wrong type of stirrup, such injuries must be prevented. Patient positioning and pressure management expert Dan Allen tells Nic Paton about the consequences and treatment of these issues
Chain reaction: optimal logistics for shipping medical devices
The medical device and healthcare industries are heavily regulated from design to delivery. One key concern for the OEM is navigating regulations efficiently. The logistics process is no different. Ensuring devices are shipped efficiently allows manufacturers to deliver better customer service as well as saving money. Bruce J Stanley, a principal at the Stanley East Consulting Group, discusses the key methodologies and opinions on how the efficiency of logistics and supply chain can be optimised.
Chips with everything: microfluidics and diagnostics
Daniel Mark, Felix von Stetten and Roland Zengerle from the University of Freiburg consider the market impact of microfluidic lab-on-a-chip products in the field of point-of-care diagnostics, and argue that a microfluidic platform-based development approach and foundry-based manufacturing process are necessary to ensure their future competitiveness.
Exporters take note: FDA registration regulations
Changes to the US FDA establishment registration and listings came into effect in October 2012 with profound implications for contract manufacturers. It is estimated that up to 750 additional companies – all based outside the US – have since been required to register with the FDA. Here, a spokesperson for the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health explains what these changes will mean for device companies that sell into the US market.
Slippery when wet: medical device coatings
To help navigate the terrain inside the human body, medical devices require a delicate coating. Nic Paton talks to Dr Clement Higginbotham, director of the Materials Research Institute at the Athlone Institute of Technology, about how lubricious coatings balance wettability and durability to meet industry demands.