All articles by Ky Nikitha
Ky Nikitha
Teamwork makes the dream work
In the drive for innovation, historically, OEMs have focused on research, development and manufacturing. However, changes in the industry landscape are not only demanding greater consideration of the supply chain and logistics but also altering the role that companies play in these processes. Kamaljit Behera, senior industry analyst transformational health at Frost & Sullivan, speaks to Emma Green about the opportunities provided by adopting a collaborative approach.
Recharge your batteries
Medical implantables are getting smaller and have the potential to revolutionise medical life over the next few decades. But progress has stumbled, not least because of the large and unreliable batteries most devices rely on. Andrea Valentino talks to Shad Roundy, an associate professor in mechanical engineering at the University of Utah, about the problems of traditional methods and how using wireless power sources could be the way forward.
A bright idea
Nowhere is smart packaging more relevant than in medical devices, where there is growing demand for functionality and an ability to meet human needs. Although such technology is in its relative infancy, it has huge potential for the industry but does require careful consideration. Emma Green speaks to Javier de la Fuente, assistant professor of industrial technology and packaging in the Orfalea College of Business at the California Polytechnic State University, about the key considerations.
Hot chips
Microfluidic devices have many exciting applications, but fabricating the necessary channel and feature dimensions can be time-consuming and costly. Jim Banks speaks to Bruce K Gale, director of the Utah State Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Microfluidics, about the costs and benefits.
Devil in the detail
As computers shrink, so do laboratories. As cancer grows, it gets worse. Liquid biopsies have shown promise in using the former to prevent the latter, but operating on the nanoscale comes with its own set of issues. Isabel Ellis asks Yong Zeng, associate professor of chemistry at Kansas University, about how his new device can identify cancer from tiny specks of previously disregarded extracellular material.
Learn from failure
Post-market surveillance is an essential aspect of maintaining patient safety. However, recent reports have unveiled serious concerns with medical device failure reporting. Emma Green discusses what led to these issues and how they can best be resolved by the industry.
Coat of charms
Despite considerable effort, the problem of infections related to biomedical devices and implants persists. There are a number of strategies that can be used for the design of antibacterial coatings. Kerry Taylor-Smith speaks to Krasimir Vasilev, professor at the University of South Australia, about the advantages and disadvantages of the available options.
The specialists
Historically, there have been a number of differences between large and small OEMs, including their approaches to outsourcing. Louise Thomas speaks to Jack Sandahl, fellow in a global sourcing role at Boston Scientific, about the important considerations for OEMs of all sizes.
The best way to build muscle
A wide variety of polymers are used as biomaterials. Biostable polymers are commonly used for medical device applications because of their resilience, especially within the human body. Although there are a number of these on the market, efforts to improve their physicochemical and biological properties are ongoing. Mehmet Kanik, a postdoctoral fellow at MIT’s Simon Centre for the Social Brain, speaks to Lynette Eyb about the use of thermoplastic polymers in artificial muscles.
Fit to print
Manufacturing has traditionally been a long process from initial design to finished part, and in light of the highly regulated environment, the medical device sector is conservative in its approach. But the industry’s use of stock component offerings and the rise of industrial-grade 3D printing could drive a shift towards an on-demand approach. Emma Green speaks to Brennan Miles, senior consultant at Team Consulting, about the present and future application of this method.