Medical Design Technology articles from February 2007

Medical Design Technology archives from February 2007

Filling machine.(Innovations)
February 1, 2007... This filling system, designed for both aseptic and non-aseptic filling of flexible containers of any size, is comprised of an automated filling machine and cap interface. This novel cap design, in a single port, offers both filling and...

Bearings.(Innovations)
February 1, 2007... After extensive testing, higher dynamic capacity ratings have been offered for Reali-Slim thin-section bearings based on an improved calculation methodology developed specifically for thin-section bearings. These make bearing life projections...

6-axis robot.(Innovations)
February 1, 2007... The Viper s1700 is a powerful robot with a reach of 1717 mm and capable of lifting and positioning loads of up to 20 kg. The speed and precision of this line of robots make them ideal for operations requiring precise automation. The s1700 can...

Linear actuator.(MDT Exclusive)
February 1, 2007... The 26DAM Series digital linear actuators provide industry-leading linear force up to 120 oz. (33 N), linear step resolution of 0.001, 0.002, and .004 in. and 3.4 Watts of power for fast response times and precise positioning capability. These...

Cleanroom dispensing.(Innovations)
February 1, 2007... The Axiom X-1000 series dispensing system is equipped with a stainless steel enclosure for manufacturing in Class 100 cleanrooms. The system is specifically designed for applications that are extremely sensitive to contamination by sub-micron...

Rechargeable battery.(Innovations)
February 1, 2007... Called the Contego Series, this modular rechargeable lithium-ion implantable battery product line promises to spare developers in neurostimulation and other implantable markets the time-consuming process of developing a custom battery for each...

Modem module.(Innovations)
February 1, 2007... The TinyModem is an extremely small modem module with an RJ-11 connector. Measuring just 0.66 x 1.25 x 0.75 in., the full-featured modem with data, fax, and voice capability is easy to integrate into small-footprint designs. Highlights include...

Abbot sells IVD, point-of-care diagnostic to GE for $8.13 billion.(Regulatory Report)
February 1, 2007... With GE's $8.13 billion cash purchase of Abbott Laboratories' core in vitro diagnostics unit, the corporate giant is betting it can accelerate growth in a business still recovering from protracted regulatory challenges in the U.S. The deal...

New year, new resolve: CDRH Postmarket Management Group begins work.(Regulatory Report)
February 1, 2007... Last month, the newly created postmarket transformation management group began its job of changing the way FDA's device center handles safety issues. Headed by Don St. Pierre, formerly a deputy director in CDRH's Office of In Vitro...

FDA's PMA annual reporting requests potentially illegal-AdvaMed.(Regulatory Report)
February 1, 2007... In unusually harsh comments, industry argues that the recommendations in FDA's draft guidance for PMA annual reports are not only unduly burdensome, but beyond the agency's legal authority. "Without promulgating through notice and comment...

Pediatric LVAD.(Noted ...)
February 1, 2007... Abiomed announces development plans for a child-sized, catheter-based heart pump similar to its CE-marked Impella 2.5. The device, currently in pre-clinical studies, is intended to provide left-ventricular support for pediatric patients prior...

Gastric band gets blues' TEC support.(Noted ...)
February 1, 2007... Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is "a reasonable choice for a patient considering bariatric surgery" to treat obesity, according to an upcoming report from the BlueCross BlueShield Association's Technology Evaluation Center. The report...

Crosser cleared for CTOs.(Noted ...)
February 1, 2007... FlowCardia will launch its Crosser 14 high frequency ultrasound crossing catheter in the U.S. within the quarter, according to Director of Marketing Mark Page. The firm announced 510(k) clearance for the device, which uses a vibrating tip to...

Medtronic's chronicle headed for advisory panel.(Noted ...)
February 1, 2007... Firm's next-generation Chronicle implantable hemodynamic monitor for remote monitoring of ICDs will be on the agenda at a March 1 meeting of FDA's Circulatory System Devices Panel, according to Medtronic. The agency would not confirm the full...

Product design with the manufacturing process in mind.(Emphasis On Design)
February 1, 2007... * As medical devices have become more advanced through the implementation of sophisticated technologies within the finished product, the amount of expertise required to efficiently design and engineer the device has grown. This article...

Bi-Directional Cardiac Catheter Available Patients across the U.S. with certain types of arrhythmias can now benefit from treatment with an ablation catheter, designed to give physicians improved range of motion, ease of use, and technical finesse during procedures to eliminate abnormal heart rhythms.(Industry Watch)
February 1, 2007... Bi-Directional Cardiac Catheter Available Patients across the U.S. with certain types of arrhythmias can now benefit from treatment with an ablation catheter, designed to give physicians improved range of motion, ease of use, and technical...

Clinical study launched BioControl Medical, developer of advanced implantable devices for the treatment of autonomic disorders, is enrolling patients for an international, multi-center, open-label clinical study of the CardioFit system for the treatment of congestive heart failure at IRB approved sites in Europe, Israel, and Australia.(Industry Watch)
February 1, 2007... Clinical Study Launched BioControl Medical, developer of advanced implantable devices for the treatment of autonomic disorders, is enrolling patients for an international, multi-center, open-label clinical study of the CardioFit system for the...

Moog to purchase Zevex Zevex international Inc.(Industry Watch)
February 1, 2007... Moog to Purchase Zevex Zevex International Inc. has executed a definitive Merger Agreement with Moog Inc. Upon the closing of the merger, Zevex will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Moog. The merger is expected to close in March, 2007....

FDA proposes barring cattle material.(Industry Watch)
February 1, 2007... FDA Proposes Barring Cattle Material The U.S. FDA is proposing to limit the materials used in some medical products in order to keep them free of the agent thought to cause mad cow disease, also known as bovine spongiform encephalopathy or BSE....

510(k) clearance receive.(Industry Watch)
February 1, 2007... 510(k) Clearance Received The U.S. FDA has cleared the GMD Universal Circumcision Clamp, from Generic Medical Devices Inc., for market. This marks the company's first 510(k) clearance by the FDA for a medical device that will be sold as a...

ISO announcement.(Industry Watch)
February 1, 2007... ISO Announcements Perfecseal, a leader in the medical device and pharmaceutical packaging industries, has earned ISO 13485:2003 Quality Management System for the Perfecseal Oshkosh, WI location. This facility is the first of the Perfecseal...

Calendar of events: click on the "calendar" icon at www.mdtmag.com for information about any of the following events.(Calendar)
February 1, 2007... February 27-28 510(k) Submissions "101," Hampton Inn Tropicana, Las Vegas, NV. March 5-6 Medical Device Clinical Research & Reimbursement Conference, Sheraton Houston Brookhollow Hotel, Houston, TX. March 5-7 Phosphor Global Summit...

Making sense of orthopedic technologies: sensors have become an integral part of medical devices across most industry sectors. Providing vital information to the healthcare provider or patient, they can significantly enhance the quality of a treatment solution. This article reviews several types of sensors that are being used in conjunction with orthopedic implants to enhance their effectiveness.
February 1, 2007... In past decades, sensor technology has made significant advancements in developing miniaturized products with long MTBF (mean time between failure), endurance, durability, and overload protection. These advancements have been very instrumental...

Custom solution alleviates tension over motion control concerns.(Case in Point)
February 1, 2007... * The Project: Find a linear motion solution that will carry the spray jet in a water massage rnachine over 7 ft. within a challenging environment. * The Solution: A custom nut/lead screw assembly that does not absorb water was developed...

Is your supply base changing without you?(Cover story)
February 1, 2007... While RoHS doesn't directly affect medical device manufacturers in the U.S., many component suppliers are changing their products to be in compliance with the regulation. This article examines the significant ramifications of this "green"...

Antireflection coatings.(Notables: Surface Treatment)
February 1, 2007... The high-quality Tech Spec family of optical components has been enhanced by adding a visible, antireflection coating option to its plano-convex, plano-concave, double-convex, double-concave, and achromatic lines. The coating features an...

Conformal coating jet.(Notables: Surface Treatment)
February 1, 2007... The SC-400 PreciseCoat conformal coating jet is designed for applying coating materials to highly selective areas, especially on small substrates or substrates with high-component density where there are tight tolerances between coated and...

Surface treater.(Notables: Surface Treatment)
February 1, 2007... The Dyne-A-Mite IT is a high performance surface treater that provides a sale and effective means of cleaning surfaces and raising surface energy to promote the adhering and bonding of a wide variety of materials. It effectively removes grease,...

Printing.(Notables: Surface Treatment)
February 1, 2007... SanfordPrint is a novel printing technique that replaces conventional silk screen printing. Unlike conventional printing where the ink resides on the surface of the part, SanfordPrint embeds the print securely within an extremely durable...

Air-blasting machines.(Notables: Surface Treatment)
February 1, 2007... Indexing air-blast machines add quality and performance to medical devices, including joint replacements, nails and rods, surgical equipment and medical accessories, by altering the characteristics of their surfaces. These versatile air-blast...

Advancing patient safety through human factors engineering.(Emphasis On Testing)
February 1, 2007... It is in the best interest of healthcare providers to receive technology that has been thoroughly tested to ensure successful implementation into ah existing environment. Additionally, the medical professional wants to be certain the new system...

Designing with flexible circuits: focus on bending.(Emphasis On Flexible Circuits)
February 1, 2007... With patients demanding medical devices that are convenient, yet discreet, electronics manufacturers are tasked with making internal components as small and compact as possible. This article presents tips for design engineers who want to take...

Connectors.(New Products)
February 1, 2007... The WH1 Series of low profile board-to-board connectors meet the needs of slim electronic devices. The connector has 0.4 mm contact spacing and a mated stacking height of only 1.0 mm. It is available in configurations from 24 to 40 positions...

Control valves.(New Products)
February 1, 2007... The KFPV050 Series proportional control valves are designed for stepless variable control of gases and liquids. The valve is a direct acting two-port plunger type with a body available in brass of stainless steel. The solenoid can be oriented...

UV curable polymer system.(New Products)
February 1, 2007... UV15-7LRI is an optically clear UV curable polymer system formulated to have a low 1.481 refractive index. It produces durable, tough, non-yellowing, and chemically resistant bonds, seals, or coatings with excellent optical and electrical...

Power supply.(New Products)
February 1, 2007... The AAD160 Series of triple and quad output switching power supplies offers 160 Watts of tightly regulated power in a compact package that measures only 5 x 3.14 x 1.25 in., making it ideal for low profile/1U high applications. Each output...

Transformers.(New Products)
February 1, 2007... These lighting control transformers, which automatically reset after experiencing an overload situation, are available in RoHS compliant designs. Various UL and C-UL listed models are available, each with 40 VA continuous and 75 VA intermittent...

Power inductor.(New Products)
February 1, 2007... The MPE and MPI Series of power inductors provide solutions for the engineer with design limitations on height, footprint, and performance. Finding the right power inductor has always been a challenge since inductors are inherently bulky. These...

Drive.(New Products)
February 1, 2007... With IndraDrive Mi, the company's engineers have utilized a completely new motion control design concept. The motor casing serves as the heat sink for the servo/control system, which is attached to the long axis of the motor, adding only a...

Metal switch.(New Products)
February 1, 2007... The MSM snap-in switches contain the same characteristics as their screw mount counterparts--the only difference being in the assembly of the switch to the equipment. The switches with snap-in technology are force fitted into the front panel...

Heat shrinkable tubing.(New Products)
February 1, 2007... A full line of Texfluor FEP heat shrinkable tubing is offered in a variety of expansion ratios. It operates in temperatures as high as 400[degrees]F and is ideal for covering medical instruments, thermometers, lighting fixtures, and other...

Press.(New Products)
February 1, 2007... This electric motor-powered, CNC-controlled ServoPress System is the Module 416 with PressControl 4000 Sequence/ Monitor Controller. Similar to the company's other ServoPress Systems that feature 100% quality assurance and verification,...

Stepping motors.(New Products)
February 1, 2007... The complete RK series 5-phase stepping motor and driver package is RoHS compliant. The series incorporates a smooth drive function that ensures low vibration and low noise operation at low speeds by employing microstepping within the driver...

Brake.(New Products)
February 1, 2007... Hysteresis brakes feature the patented Cog-Buster to automatically smooth braking torque. Frictionless torque is produced by internal magnetic fields rather than contact between parts, so torque is smooth, accurate, and reliable. Even high slip...

Laser welding.(New Products)
February 1, 2007... High precision laser welding has been added to the company's broad range of sheet metal fabrication services, which is particularly significant to the orthopedic surgical case and tray market. The Class I laser workstation is a fully...

Insulated terminals.(New Products)
February 1, 2007... Insulated disconnects feature an open barrel "F" crimp wire attachment to ensure a high integrity connection and are constructed from a high temperature alloy and fire-retardant nylon insulator. Available in flag and straight styles to mate...

Nylon compounds.(New Products)
February 1, 2007... Four Chemlon nylon compounds that meet stringent flame-retardance requirements while providing a range of other performance and regulatory-compliance options are offered to injection molders of electrical and electronic components. The...

Rigid chain.(New Products)
February 1, 2007... This rigid chain is intended for applications where repeatable positioning and the ability to maintain position with no drift are of the highest importance. The interlocking links have a simple configuration, are custom-designed, and include a...

Slide switches.(New Products)
February 1, 2007... The AS series of subminiature slide switches are one-third the size of conventional miniature switches. Saving space on PC boards and allowing for flexibility in specifications, these slide switches were specifically designed for logic level...

Tuckers.(New Products)
February 1, 2007... Servo driven tuckers and a "no homing" feature for more efficient operation have been added to the company's line of towelette/pad/wipe machines. The tuckers allow for precise positioning and cross folding of towelettes and single fold pads....

Electrodynamic test instrument.(New Products)
February 1, 2007... ElectroPuls is an electrodynamic test instrument that is ideal for a wide range of biomedical testing requirements in industry and universities. With a wide dynamic performance range and excellent low force characteristics, the ElectroPuls...

Video camera.(New Products)
February 1, 2007... The Fastcam SA-1 camera features 5,000 full mega pixel resolution frames per second. CMOS sensor technology has resulted in an extremely high speed benchmark for slow motion video imaging with true 12-bit resolution and two-microsecond global...

Illustrating the breadth and depth of the use of computer modeling in every area of science, research, engineering, and education, the Comsol Conference CD 2006 contains a wealth of information.(Design Notes)
February 1, 2007... Illustrating the breadth and depth of the use of computer modeling in every area of science, research, engineering, and education, the Comsol Conference CD 2006 contains a wealth of information. Distributed at no charge, the disc contains 272...

Morgan Advanced Ceramics.(Design Notes)
February 1, 2007... Morgan Advanced Ceramics, a leading manufacturer of innovative ceramic, glass, metal, and engineered coating solutions, has launched a Chinese-language, interactive website for its bioceramic materials. Now, Chinese-speaking patients,...

Steris Corp.(Design Notes)
February 1, 2007... Steris Corp. continues to address the needs of research professionals by introducing the new Finn-Aqua Life Sciences Research Steam Sterilizers into research markets worldwide. These systems are designed specifically for comparative medicine...

Fluid Metering Inc.(Design Notes)
February 1, 2007... Fluid Metering Inc. has released its 2007 36-page catalog covering precision dispensers and metering pumps for laboratory, industrial, process, and OEM applications. The catalog includes the new VMP Series of programmable variable displacement...

Rugged, precision, lightweight nickel electroforms from Servometer/PMG LLC can be used at cryogenic temperatutes.(Design Notes)
February 1, 2007... Rugged, precision, lightweight nickel electroforms from Servometer/PMG LLC can be used at cryogenic temperatutes and can be made as small as 0.02 in. in diameter with walls as thin as 0.005 inch. Can be made an integral unit with a bellows to...

Producing custom implants rapidly.(Design Notes)
February 1, 2007... On August 31, 2006, an operation took place at the Royal Perth Hospital in Australia which could lead to a complete change in surgery for hip joint endoprosthesis. A woman patient received an acetabular reconstruction cage that was individually...

Rapid manufacturing in titanium.(Design Notes)
February 1, 2007... The first Arcam EBM S-400 rapid manufacturing and prototyping system from Stratasys was installed at Medical Modeling LLC. The company will use the system to provide surgeons and medical device manufacturers with titanium models for improved...