All articles by shirleyaccini
shirleyaccini
UDI – patient safety with serial codes
There are growing calls for medical devices to be individually linked to patients through unique serial numbers. Jim Banks talks to the Association of British Healthcare Industries’ Michael Kreuzer, who works closely with Eucomed, to discuss the need for unique device identification and the challenges of implementation at a global level.
On target: the medical devices evolution
There has been a rapid evolution in the physical and technological nature of medical devices. This means that positioning systems must adapt quickly to stay accurate and up-to-date, as Ulf Hottung, industry manager, medical technology at Igus, explains to Nic Paton.
Combination devices: stronger together
Growth in combination devices has resulted in partnerships between manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies and academia. Andy Förster, EMEA leader of the peripheral intervention clinical division of Cook Medical, speaks to Jim Banks about how the sector can work together to achieve further therapeutic advances in the future.
How packaging can aid patient compliance
The packaging of drugs is an area fraught with challenges, but it also provides opportunities. Tassilo Korab, HCPC Europe, explains how packaging can play a key role in the crucial area of patient compliance.
Gamma irradiation cleans up
Gamma rays form part of a standard process for the sterilisation and decontamination of medical devices. But, although the technology is advantageous and well established, the process can be complicated. Tim Sandle, head of microbiology at Bio Products Laboratory, and Madhu Raju Saghee, quality assurance professional at Gland Pharma, investigate.
Microfluidics: a crucial enabling technology
Over 50 years ago, microelectronics revolutionised the way components and circuits were manufactured. Now, a similar tidal change is taking place as miniaturisation makes its mark in life sciences. Claudia Gärtner, CEO of microfluidic ChipShop, looks at how integrated microfluidic platforms are making waves.
Time to invest in Swiss medtech
As Europe endures its toughest economic challenge, investment will be the lifeblood of any sustainable recovery. Medical Device Developments summarises the Swiss Medical Cluster’s recently published ‘Swiss Medtech Report’, which advises investors how to maximise the country’s medical technology infrastructure.
In a heartbeat: M&A activity 2012
2012 was a tough year for Western economies. However, there have been some notable palpitations in the global medical technology M&A market. GlobalData profiles the five big deals of the year so far.
The hospital lab comes to the patient’s home
Rapid innovation in miniaturisation, mobility and connectivity is revolutionising
medical diagnostics and treatments. This, in turn, is bringing healthcare directly to the individual. Brian Anthony, director of the Master of Engineering in Manufacturing Program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, examines where the trends are taking us.
Bioresorbable ghosts in medical devices
The unique properties of bioresorbables allow the medical devices that use them to appear and disappear almost at will. Len Czuba, president of Czuba Enterprises, looks at how their phantom-like qualities have potential for use in breakthrough healthcare inventions.