All articles by Staff Writer
Staff Writer
Powering up wearables
Thanks to the evolution of wearable medical devices, we can now monitor an unprecedented amount of health metrics continuously and in real time. But to work as they’re meant to, these devices need access to an adequate and constant source of energy. There are various ways to harvest, convert and supply power to wearables, and researchers are currently looking into approaches that are increasingly practical and effective. Liam Critchley explores how the field is advancing.
Continuous gains
Continuous manufacturing is beginning to transform how medical devices are made, promising faster development, greater efficiency and improved compliance. To explore what this means for medtech, Sachin Rawat speaks to Anne Vanhoestenberghe, director of MAISI, and medical device executive Sean Gilligan.
Monitoring made modern
Regulators are shifting from reactive oversight to proactive, data-driven surveillance that draws on IoMT device data, electronic health records and patient registries to enable continuous benefit–risk monitoring. This evolving model, aligned with EU MDR Article 83 and reflected in the US FDA’s Real-World Evidence framework, is explored by Ellie Philpotts with perspectives from product developers, legal experts, academics, consultants and industry leaders.
Precision in motion
From micron-scale parts to fully automated cleanrooms, the future of medical device manufacturing is being reshaped by precision robotics, additive technologies and AI-driven inspections. Sachin Rawat speaks with Jay Lee of the University of Maryland and Dustin Vaughan of Asensus Surgical about how these advances are enabling safer, faster and smarter production.
Can quality be outsourced?
Medical device OEMs are increasingly taking advantage of the services offered by specialist consultancies that provide end-to-end support for quality by design (QbD) services, choosing to outsource rather than develop these capabilities in-house. Jim Banks looks at how software vendors are incorporating QbD into their quality management system offerings and how this helps OEMs to optimise complex manufacturing processes.
Navigating AI oversight
The EU Artificial Intelligence Act – the world’s first legal framework governing AI – redefines many medium-risk Class IIa and IIb medical devices as high risk if they include AI. Claire Read speaks with Alison Dennis, international co-head of life sciences and healthcare at Taylor Wessing, cybersecurity advocate Beau Woods and I Am The Cavalry founder Joshua Corman about the implications for regulatory compliance, post-market surveillance, data governance and the human oversight required under this layered regime.
EU5: Robotic surgery continues to rise
As the medical field increasingly adopts minimally invasive techniques, the potential for improved patient outcomes and operational efficiencies in the robotic surgery sector is ever-increasing. ‘The EU5 Robotic Surgery Market Outlook to 2033’ report by GlobalData highlights the burgeoning robotic surgery landscape across EU5 countries, delving into the advancements in robotic surgical systems and accessories, highlighting key trends, technological innovations and the evolving regulatory environment that are shaping the future of surgical care in these nations.
David Schnur Associates Partners with Freudenberg Medical to Deliver Precision Metals and Coating Solutions
David Schnur Associates (DSA), a global supplier of outsourced technical sales and marketing services for the medical device and life sciences industries, recently announced an exclusive, multi-year strategic agreement to add Freudenberg Medical, a leading global CDMO partner, to its network of partners. Through this partnership, DSA will provide customers with precision metals and coating solutions, expanding industry access to Freudenberg Medical’s component and surface treatment solutions.
Quasar Medical Strengthens Global CDMO Platform with Acquisition of Nordson Medical’s Galway and Tecate Facilities
This milestone enhances Quasar’s global CDMO platform, broadening end-to-end capabilities and providing increased value for medical device OEMs and innovators.
Medical Technology Ireland 2025: Reclaiming Ireland’s and Europe’s Medtech Momentum
Medical Technology Ireland returns to Galway this September with a focused agenda: how can Ireland and Europe remain competitive in a sector increasingly shaped by global disruption, regulatory shifts, and the race to innovate? Over two days, the event will bring together leaders from across the medtech ecosystem—industry, start-ups, regulators, academia, and investors—for practical conversations about what’s working, what’s changing, and where opportunities lie.