• Login
    • Join
  • FOLLOW:
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Opinions
    • Top 30
    • Research
    • Supply Chain
    • Device Sectors
    • Directory
    • Events
    • Resources
    • Microsites
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Opinions
  • Top 30
  • Research
  • Supply Chain
  • Device Sectors
  • Directory
  • Events
  • Resources
  • Microsites
  • Current / Back Issues
    Features
    Editorial
    Digital Edition
    eNewsletter Archive
    Our Team
    Editorial Guidelines
    Reprints
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    Top Features
    Pharmaceutical Focus: A Look at Combination Products

    The Printed World: Additive Manufacturing in Medtech

    The Lost Year: 2020 Year in Review

    Extrusion Evolution

    Little Big Parts: Micromolding Under the Microscope
    OEM News
    Supplier News
    Service / Press Releases
    Online Exclusives
    Press Releases
    People in the News
    Product & Service Releases
    Supplier News
    Medtech Makers
    Technical Features
    International News
    Videos
    Product & Service Releases
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    Optimize EP Launches CaRM Cardiac Device Data Management Platform

    U.S. TAVR Market Projected to Reach Nearly $5 Billion by 2030

    FDA Clears Canon Medical's Compressed SPEEDER for 3D Exams on 1.5T MR

    Cognito Therapeutics’ Lead Product Receives FDA Breakthrough Device Designation

    Moon Surgical Expands Leadership Team
    From the Editor
    Blogs
    Guest Opinions
    Top Opinions
    Pharmaceutical Focus: A Look at Combination Products

    The Printed World: Additive Manufacturing in Medtech

    The Lost Year: 2020 Year in Review

    Extrusion Evolution

    Little Big Parts: Micromolding Under the Microscope
    Top 30 Medical Device Companies
    Market Data
    White Papers
    Top Research
    Fixing Face Mask Form and Function

    The Heart of the Matter: Trends in Cardiology

    Virtually the Same? The Challenges of Online Conferences

    Digital Health Delivers During a Year for the Ages

    Advanced Technology for Staking and Swaging Medical Plastics
    3D/Additive Manufacturing
    Contract Manufacturing
    Electronics
    Machining & Laser Processing
    Materials
    Molding
    Packaging & Sterilization
    R&D & Design
    Software & IT
    Testing
    Tubing & Extrusion
    Cardiovascular
    Diagnostics
    Digital Health
    Neurological
    Patient Monitoring
    Surgical
    Orthopedics
    All Companies
    Categories
    Company Capabilities
    Add New Company
    Outsourcing Directory
    FUTEK Advanced Sensor Technology Inc.

    Qosina Corp.

    Spectrum Plastics Group

    Element

    Medicoil
    MPO Summit
    Industry Events
    Webinars
    Live From Show Event
    Industry Associations
    Videos
    Career Central
    eBook
    Slideshows
    Top Resources
    Meeting Critical Ventilator Product Requirements Amid Pandemic

    Impact of COVID-19 on the Medtech Supply Chain

    Finding the Upside to a Challenging Year

    Preparing Your Design Controls for FDA Approval

    A 'Trial and Error' Approach to Micromolded Parts
    Companies
    News Releases
    Product Releases
    Press Releases
    Product Spec Sheets
    Service Releases
    Case Studies
    White Papers
    Brochures
    Videos
    Outsourcing Directory
    Concise Engineering

    Unicep

    PTI Engineered Plastics Inc.

    Spectrum Plastics Group

    maxon
    • Magazine
      • Current/Back Issues
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Editions
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • News
    • Directory
      • All Companies
      • ALL CATEGORIES
      • Industry Associations
      • Company Capabilities
      • Add Your Company
    • Supply Chain
      • 3D/Additive Manufacturing
      • Contract Manufacturing
      • Electronics
      • Machining & Laser Processing
      • Materials
      • Molding
      • Packaging & Sterilization
      • R&D & Design
      • Software & IT
      • Testing
      • Tubing & Extrusion
    • Device Sectors
      • Cardiovascular
      • Diagnostics
      • Digital Health
      • Neurological
      • Patient Monitoring
      • Surgical
      • Orthopedics
    • Top 30 Company Report
    • Expert Insights
    • Slideshows
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Resources
    • eBook
    • Infographics
    • Whitepapers
    • Research
      • White Papers
      • Case Studies
      • Product Spec Sheets
      • Market Data
    • MPO Summit
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live From Show Events
      • Webinars
    • Microsite
      • Companies
      • Product Releases
      • Product Spec Sheets
      • Services
      • White Papers / Tech Papers
      • Press Releases
      • Videos
      • Literature / Brochures
      • Case Studies
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise with Us
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Online Exclusives

    Medtech R&D Must Address Outcomes in Value-Based Care

    Clinical requirements are no longer the only cornerstone of medical device development.

    Medtech R&D Must Address Outcomes in Value-Based Care
    Technology roadmaps define a framework for short- and long-term innovation investments at TE Connectivity. Image courtesy of TE Connectivity.
    Michael Barbella, Managing Editor04.24.20
    It will be different next time. Much different, hopefully.
     
    Future pandemics are unlikely to resemble the disjointed patchwork of COVID-19 mitigation efforts implemented worldwide by lawmakers and health officials. Instead, they possibly will involve more coordinated responses and widespread testing, as well as technological innovations inspired by design thinking.
     
    Such thinking could result in redesigned public spaces that double as treatment areas during an outbreak and airports with more security screening lanes. Hospitals are likely to rethink conventional schematics too, potentially employing such pandemic-busting features as negative pressure zones, special patient evaluation areas, telehealth centers, and flexible-use rooms (i.e., those easily modified between acute care and ICU).
     
    With the COVID-19 threat unlikely to abate in the fore- seeable future, design thinking could potentially become a powerful tool in helping to better manage and control forthcoming pandemics. The approach is already being used to improve healthcare equity and spawn creative solutions to medicine’s most pressing dilemmas.
     
    MPO’s January/February feature, “Inventive Interaction,” explores the various forces at play in medtech R&D. Scott Larson, chief technology officer at TE Connectivity., was among the various experts interviewed for the story. His full input is provided in the following Q&A.
     
    Michael Barbella: Where are companies spending their research dollars now—on incremental improvements to existing devices, or game-changing innovation?
    Scott Larson: Both. Historically we’ve been more customer led and are now increasing our own investment to bolster innovation. This allows us to improve the partnerships with our customers by being proactive and offering them innovative solutions. We partner with customers for small incremental innovations, for example, a simple improvement in mechanical functionality. That same customer could also have a partnership need for the development of a future generation device to encompass multiple technologies, a potential game-changer device.
    As CTO, I manage the technology roadmaps for TE Connectivity’s Medical Business. This framework defines both our short- and long-term view of innovation as mentioned above. For example, we may be innovating today around enhancing the steering performance of a typical catheter and, in parallel, working on a similar solution but in the context of adopting that device for a robotic approach.
     
    Barbella: How is value-based healthcare shaping the kinds of medical devices/technology being developed?
    Larson: Looking at device development through the lens of value-based healthcare has certainly shaped how our customers approach innovation today. If I think back 10 years, clinical requirements were the cornerstone of any new device development program—how do we meet the physician need? Now we have rounded out that fundamental development step to ask—how do we meet both the physician need and deliver a more efficient outcome? That question shapes thinking around innovation pipelines and priorities.
     
    Barbella: Please discuss the importance of university/academic partnerships in developing cutting-edge medical devices.
    Larson: Many universities and academic programs focus on the foundational research—solving the big questions that push the boundaries of medicine. It is important to TE Connectivity that we have active partnerships with these forward-thinking groups. For example, we are long standing partners of the BioInnovate program, affiliated with Stanford’s BioDesign program, where we work with their Fellows to build insights into evolving clinical thinking and its real-life application. In turn, these insights inform and enrich our own technology roadmaps. It is how we translate academic thinking to technical solutions for our customers.
     
    Barbella: Are startups better suited than their mid-size or large OEM cohorts to develop medical technology that addresses value-based healthcare solutions? If so, how? (Or, if not, why not?)
    Larson: This used to be the case, but many of the larger OEMs now understand that value-based healthcare is here to stay and are developing products with this in mind. The total patient experience must be considered—that means a high performing device at an affordable cost. Overall cost pressure drives lower selling prices which, in turn drives the need to lower product costs. Designing for cost as well as performance is a significant part of product innovation.
     
    Barbella: Can a company effective tackle a healthcare need/problem and devise a solution based on its own internal R&D? Please explain.
    Larson: Yes, I think this is possible. For example, when you think about device-based treatments for ischemic stroke, time is life, every second counts. Time to treat is often the difference between a patient with long term and expensive medical needs or a patient with fully restored mobility and lower cost of care. So now we ask the question, how can we innovate to dramatically decrease the time from establishing vascular access to delivering a restorative treatment? Then we start to think about low-profile catheters or tiny microcatheters that are enhanced by steering technologies to navigate into and through the brain network faster than a traditional catheter. Then we layer onto that the idea of an enhanced or smart catheter that can perhaps visualize and take real time measurements within the brain arteries. With all of this in mind, we also must deliver devices that are cost effective and simple to use. Bringing all of these innovations together enables a device that is more accurate and precise in use. Time to treat falls and in that manner, we have potentially addressed the core healthcare need/problem in a way that is meaningful for the physician and patient.
     
    Barbella: How can companies “innovate the process of innovation” to achieve more transformational products through R&D?
    Larson: Market demands, quality, performance and speed to market have been the cornerstones of innovation and product development. Now there are additional aspects of innovation that must be considered. Some of these include product cost, ease of use and manufacturability. Many companies are considering the manufacturing process early in the product development cycle. This reduces overall product cost, reduces the time to market due to ease of transfer into operations and ensures predictability of supply. Lean behavior has also moved from operations into product development and the way we innovate. With our engineers being aware of inefficiencies, or waste, they are able to propose new and better ways of doing things.
     
    Barbella: How will AI, big data, and digital health affect the R&D process going forward?
    Larson: I think that the days of developing devices without thinking about the digital continuum are fading into engineering history for our industry. TE Connectivity is all about creating a future where our innovations touch lives and connect the world. The opportunities to do this in healthcare are immense but there is a journey ahead. For example, how do we take a basic surgical or interventional device beyond simple mechanical function so that it is providing data about the patient? At TE, we are innovating to solve questions like these. For example, we recently brought a new innovation to market named VERSIO – a specialized connector for high density signal and power transmission in a low-profile catheter. Over a 1-inch diameter we can accommodate 272 contact positions for analog, digital and fibre optic data. The potential of such innovations to gather data in-vivo is immense. We are also integrating sensors directly into our devices. Providing these integrated platforms to our customers allows for real time feedback to physicians during a procedure.
     
    Barbella: What is driving the need to outsource medtech R&D? Does the R&D process even need to be outsourced?
    Larson: I think there are two aspects driving the need to outsource. The first is a capacity challenge at OEMs. There are record levels of innovation today to support pipelines, R&D spends are at 11 percent of revenue according to Ernst & Young. With all this innovation, OEMs are experiencing capacity bottle necks in their R&D processes so this if often the first catalyst to start looking for outside assistance.
    The second is the level of specialization available from industry partners, such as TE Connectivity. For example, a customer may determine the most expedient route to market for their new innovation is to develop the implant device in-house while partnering with a company like TE to co-create the delivery system. Working together the OEM and CMO can compress time to market.
    Related Searches
    • data
    • flexible
    • quality
    • innovation
    Related Knowledge Center
    • R&D & Design

    Related Online Exclusives

    • R&D & Design
      How Design Controls Can Prevent Medical Device Recalls

      How Design Controls Can Prevent Medical Device Recalls

      Incorporating risk management early in development will help eliminate problems before they impact the product’s manufacturing lifecycle.
      Ramya Sriram, Digital Content Manager, Kolabtree 11.16.20

    • R&D & Design | Software & IT
      COVID-19 Marks a Need for Virtual Development Tech

      COVID-19 Marks a Need for Virtual Development Tech

      Medical device developers can gain benefits from the use of MR/AR, but challenges need to be addressed first.
      Dijam Panigrahi, Co-Founder and COO, Grid Raster Inc. 08.10.20

    • R&D & Design
      From the Experts: Best Practices to Ensure Device Success

      From the Experts: Best Practices to Ensure Device Success

      Experts break down the issues device makers are faced with.
      Jon Speer, Founder and VP of QA/RA at Greenlight Guru 07.27.20


    • R&D & Design
      Catheter Ablation Technology and the Circular Economy

      Catheter Ablation Technology and the Circular Economy

      How device manufacturers can benefit from this different methodology.
      Lars Thording, VP of Marketing & Public Affairs at Innovative Health LLC 07.09.20

    • R&D & Design
      Human Factors Activities at a Safe Distance

      Human Factors Activities at a Safe Distance

      How to keep medical device development on track during the COVID-19 pandemic.
      Timothy Visich and Kate MacNamee, Program Managers, Senior Human Factors Engineers at Farm, a Flex company 06.03.20

    • Digital Health | R&D & Design
      The Four Steps of Design Acceleration

      The Four Steps of Design Acceleration

      How to meet the needs of manufacturers, clinicians, healthcare workers, and patients in the ‘new normal.’
      Ken Olewiler, Founder and Managing Director of Punchcut 06.01.20


    • R&D & Design
      6 Questions To Ask When Developing a Wearable Medical Device

      6 Questions To Ask When Developing a Wearable Medical Device

      How to design around skin—the unique substrate your device will adhere to.
      Del R. Lawson, Ph.D., and Kris Godbey 05.28.20

    • R&D & Design
      Medtech R&D Process Aided by Big Data, AI

      Medtech R&D Process Aided by Big Data, AI

      Digital health allows researchers and engineers to incorporate data sets of user behaviors into their prototypes during the early phases of R&D.
      Michael Barbella, Managing Editor 05.13.20

    • R&D & Design
      Problem-Solving is Key to Effective R&D

      Problem-Solving is Key to Effective R&D

      A better understanding of a medical issue enables companies to drive innovation efforts towards holistic solutions.
      Michael Barbella, Managing Editor 05.05.20


    • R&D & Design
      COVID-19 Pandemic Brings Fast-Track Innovation to Forefront

      COVID-19 Pandemic Brings Fast-Track Innovation to Forefront

      A look at the ways in which The Innovation Institute and its community is introducing new technologies for the effort against the virus.
      Joe Randolph, President and CEO, The Innovation Institute 04.28.20

    • R&D & Design
      Smaller Businesses Beget Better Innovation

      Smaller Businesses Beget Better Innovation

      Despite their global sales reach, large firms tend to focus on nurturing existing product lineups.
      Michael Barbella, Managing Editor 04.16.20

    • R&D & Design
      Lessons Learned in Developing an Award-Winning Healthcare Product

      Lessons Learned in Developing an Award-Winning Healthcare Product

      Finding the right design partner helped ensure the proper pieces fell into place.
      Brandy George, Content Strategist, Zen Media 03.03.20


    • R&D & Design | Software & IT
      How Gamification Is a Boon to Medtech and Edtech

      How Gamification Is a Boon to Medtech and Edtech

      The positive attributes of gamification and why it works.
      Kelly Choo, Chief Marketing Officer and Co-Founder of Neeuro Pte Ltd. 01.16.20

    • R&D & Design
      Localizing Medical Devices

      Localizing Medical Devices

      Why translating medical devices is not enough.
      Ofer Tirosh, CEO of Tomedes 12.11.19

    • R&D & Design
      How to Minimize Color Variations in Your Medical Device

      How to Minimize Color Variations in Your Medical Device

      The key to making a medical device look great is to minimize obvious defects that catch the eye.
      Dana Trousil, Medical NPI Team Lead, StarFish Medical 12.03.19


    Trending
    • STERIS To Buy Cantel Medical For $4.6B
    • Meeting Critical Ventilator Product Requirements Amid Pandemic
    • Cytotron Gains Breakthrough Status To Treat Breast, Liver, And Pancreatic Cancers
    • Portable, Home-Use Device Quickly Measures Inflammation Levels
    • Medtech Matters: Talking Robotic Surgery With Zimmer Biomet
    Breaking News
    • Optimize EP Launches CaRM Cardiac Device Data Management Platform
    • U.S. TAVR Market Projected to Reach Nearly $5 Billion by 2030
    • FDA Clears Canon Medical's Compressed SPEEDER for 3D Exams on 1.5T MR
    • Cognito Therapeutics’ Lead Product Receives FDA Breakthrough Device Designation
    • Moon Surgical Expands Leadership Team
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    November/December 2020

    • Pharmaceutical Focus: A Look at Combination Products
    • The Printed World: Additive Manufacturing in Medtech
    • The Lost Year: 2020 Year in Review
    • View More >

    Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
    You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms And Conditions
    • Contact Us

    follow us

    Subscribe
    Nutraceuticals World

    Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

    Brown Fat Associated with Reductions in Chronic Disease Risk
    NIH Study Identifies Antibacterial Properties in Taurine
    NSF Begins New Certification Program
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    Zeppelin Acquires MTI Mischtechnik
    Ezio Braggio Joins ChemQuest Europe
    IFS Coatings Announce Carbon Offset Program
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    Optimize EP Launches CaRM Cardiac Device Data Management Platform
    U.S. TAVR Market Projected to Reach Nearly $5 Billion by 2030
    FDA Clears Canon Medical's Compressed SPEEDER for 3D Exams on 1.5T MR
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    KORSCH, MEDELPHARM Partner on R&D Equipment Portfolio
    Frontage Bolsters Clinical Services Capabilities
    Sanofi Unveils EUROAPI as Name of New European API Company
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    Neenah to Host Packaging Webinar for Printers
    W.S. Badger is Named a ‘150 Top Impact Company’
    Mana Products, Meiyume and RPG Form The Vertical Beauty Alliance
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    Amyris Named a Top Social & Environmental Impact Company
    L'Oréal Bans Animal Hair in Brushes
    Ashland Launches Antaron ECo Gel
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    dar-tech, inc. Becomes U.S. Midwestern Distributor for ZS Interpolymer
    Techkon USA, Konica Minolta Partner
    Alon Bar-Shany Appointed Chairman of Highcon Board
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    Exhibitor registration opens for virtual.drupa
    FTA planning in-person Forum & INFOFLEX
    Fortis Solutions Group achieves SGP certification
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    Shemesh Adds U.S. Headquarters
    TZMO USA, Special Needs Group Form Partnership
    BAHP Announces 2021 Officers, Board of Directors
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Rapid Recovery Protocol Can Lead to Increased Range of Motion After TKA
    Boston Scientific Releases WaveWriter Alpha Spinal Cord Stimulators in U.S.
    New Chief Clinical Officer on Board at IncludeHealth
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    Roadsimple Modernizes Warehouse Ops with Zebra Technologies
    Toppan Announces 2050 Environmental Vision
    SOI Industry Consortium Joins SEMI as Strategic Association Partner

    Copyright © 2021 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

    AD BLOCKER DETECTED

    Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
    Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


    FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login