• 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
    Cretex Companies CEO Steps Down

    Data Show Porex's Medical Device Filtration Materials Protect Against Virus, Bacteria Spread

    Endoscopic Hemostasis Devices Market Valued at $730 Million

    Henry Schein Buys Majority Interest in Prism Medical Products

    Boston Scientific's Vercise Genus DBS Earns FDA Approval
    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
    Qosina Corp.

    FUTEK Advanced Sensor Technology Inc.

    Concise Engineering

    Medicoil

    K-Tube Technologies
    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
    K-Tube Technologies

    Medbio LLC

    Qosina Corp.

    Element

    Medicoil
    • 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

    Connected Health Driving Demand for Comprehensive Electronics Solutions

    Medical electronics must be designed to handle the increased bandwidth, high-speed interconnects inclusive of fiber optics, and high signal integrity and speed.

    Connected Health Driving Demand for Comprehensive Electronics Solutions
    Related CONTENT
    • Cretex Companies CEO Steps Down
    • Are you prepared for EUDAMED actor registration module? Let’s get started
    • Data Show Porex's Medical Device Filtration Materials Protect Against Virus, Bacteria Spread
    • Endoscopic Hemostasis Devices Market Valued at $730 Million
    • Henry Schein Buys Majority Interest in Prism Medical Products
    Michael Barbella, Managing Editor10.09.20
    Consider, for just one moment, the ability to monitor human brain activity at its source. Imagine the knowledge that could be gleaned by directly observing the non-stop electric symphony composed and conducted by a 120 billion-piece neuronal orchestra.
     
    Fancy gaining a ringside seat to this cerebral concerto, without the need for big, bulky machines, strange-looking skull caps, or long, tangle-prone wires. A tiny, perhaps flexible, electrode would suffice as the entrance fee.
     
    To truly witness the magical harmony of the brain’s electric oscillations, that electrode would have to be extremely small—conceivably, 100 nanometers or so (roughly 1,000 times thinner than a human hair).
     
    Creating an electrode of that size certainly is technologically possible. Medical electronics have steadily been shrinking over the last two decades as digital health and minimally invasive surgical procedures spawned a worldwide thirst for smaller, more complex computerized devices that improve diagnoses and tracking. The scramble for diagnostic tests, personal protective equipment, ventilators, and other medical supplies associated with the planet’s battle against COVID-19 is expected to increase demand for medical electronics over the next seven years.
     
    Medical Product Outsourcing’s September feature, “Mission Complete,” details the various trends and challenges currently shaping the custom medical electronics market. Anthony Kalaijakis, strategic medical marketing manager at Molex, was among the experts interviewed for this story. His full input is provided in the following Q&A:

    Michael Barbella? What factors must be taken into consideration when designing electronic components for medical devices?
    Anthony Kalaijakis
    : Medical devices cover a massive scope of modalities and applications that require a matrix of considerations for electronic solutions. There are distinct considerations and challenges with several subsets, which include unique requirements and risks with each modality. Even the applications within the same modality can be dramatically different.
    For example, in imaging, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system requires electronic components to be non-ferrous with very low magnetic permeability. With computed tomography (CT), the spinning gantry puts significant centrifugal force on the flexible circuits, connectors, and other electronics of which must be considered.
    In therapeutics, there are additional levels of complexity from the proximal end of the device through the therapy applied at the distal end as interventional applications require contact on or in the body. Key areas like biocompatibility in material selection, user interface type and materials, impact of sterilization, interaction of mating services including plating and mating cycles must be considered. 
    It is very helpful to engage with the device manufacturer to set the expectations and needs for the program. This would include the timelines and the regulatory, standards and safety and compliance requirements (e.g. IEC60601) that programable medical devices safety standard must meet. Once the framework is established, there is the flexibility to decide on whether the electronic solution can be obtained commercial-off-the shelf, modified-off-the-shelf, or to custom specifications.
     
    Barbella: Please discuss some of the challenges in designing and manufacturing electronic components for medical devices. How has your company overcome these challenges?
    Kalaijakis: There are several challenges manufacturers face when designing and manufacturing electronic components for medical devices. The following is a sampling of trends and challenges manufacturers are keeping pace with to try and ensure safe, quality and reliable components. Molex overcomes these challenges by working closely with its customers to understand their needs and customize components to meet their device design requirements.
    Safety: Safety for the patient and staff is of upmost importance. For example, from an electronic components’ supplier to the medtech industry, the ISO14971 standard is just one of the safety standards that provides a framework for mitigating risk in conjunction with the end-customer’s compliance roadmap. The standard provides a methodical process for managing risk related to medical devices by identifying hazards, estimating the risk, evaluating acceptability and establishing risk control measures.
    Connected Health: A significant external market force disrupting medtech is the convergence of mobile devices and on-patient wearable monitoring/therapies otherwise known as connected health. This disruptive trend is part evolution and part revolution where everyday devices, like a smart phone, are quickly integrating with medical devices, further increasing the number of use cases and areas of operation. Thus, risk assessment becomes more critical. Components must meet standards and have the ability to power up and connect devices for safe and secure information sharing.
    Patient-Provider Dynamic: More recently, the current COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for options outside the clinic setting and tele-health services have come to the forefront, likely to change the patient-provider-payer ecosystem. Figuring prominently in this space is the interaction of the personal device, wireless body area networks, cloud services, and population health records while regulators try to figure out how to keep the security of patient privacy.
     
    Barbella: What are customers demanding or expecting in their electronic components?
    Kalaijakis: The customers' demand and expectation is that their electronic components be smaller, sleeker, and connected. Medical devices are transforming from the clinical setting to the industry of things (IoT) of connected health with wireless body area networks (WBAN) and mainframe capital equipment applications that are connected via the picture archival and communications systems (PACS) digitizing images and data. The medtech ecosystem is requiring Molex to adapt to the digital transformation that is happening today.
    Overall, the medtech market is expecting more than just electronic components but a total solution. There is a need to handle the increased bandwidth, high speed interconnects inclusive of fiber optic interconnects and high signal integrity and speed from data communications, which are pushing innovation and customer expectations for a total solution.
    The advantage of being an integrated supplier is seeing that both the market and customer requests are for the assembly of the electronic components and sub-assemblies to be wrapped into a total device solution. For the customer, further integration and the need for a one-stop supply chain is preferred. As such, Molex has brought in contract design and manufacturing (CDMO) into the fold with the Phillips-Medisize acquisition. In addition, the market is asking for upfront design, human factors considerations and regulatory assessment to decide on either a CDMO or medical product outsourcing (MPO) where the emphasis is fulfillment (and improvement) of scale production.
     
    Barbella: How is IoT (Internet of Things) influencing electronic component development?
    Kalaijakis: The medical device ecosystem is moving from clinic bedside to mobile devices. At Molex, we have a longstanding pedigree in connected commercial devices that allows for these design concepts for commercial applications to be adapted to medtech.
    There has been more innovation in the IoT in home automation, infotainment, automobile networks, and other industries. The vast number of applications and crossover opportunities make this a compelling segment for which Molex is well aligned. By listening to our customers and providing unique and differentiated solutions, we are more focused on medtech solutions that can be agile to adapt to changes.
     
    Barbella: How is the trend toward miniaturization of medical devices driving the design of electronic components? Please explain.
    Kalaijakis: Smaller devices mean designers must consider space optimization for even smaller components for power delivery, design flexibility to allow for the incorporation of various enabling technologies and more communication circuits within a tighter footprint. In addition, medical device designers will look to low-profile micro-connectors and wire-to-board and flex-to-board options to help transmit signals and data and power up, all while staying within the constrained space given.
     
    Barbella: Component obsolescence is a challenge in the medtech industry, where the product lifecycle is very long compared to many consumer devices. How can this challenge be overcome?
    Kalaijakis: While the convergence of commercial components into medical devices where applicable improves time to market and cost, the compliance requirements cannot be compromised. With the diversity of applications by modality, the challenge becomes the expectation of lifecycles where consumer-oriented devices can modulate based on consumer trends (weeks and months) while medtech devices with a protracted life cycle (~10 years) require a robust product change notification (PCN) process in advance of any changes or obsolescence.
     
    Barbella: How does Molex tackle electronic components shortages and parts obsolescence?
    Kalaijakis: In 2009, Molex recognized there was a difference in expectations from the commercial orientation to medtech that led to a corporate level PCN process as a best practice across industries. The Molex PCN process notifies customers either directly or through our channel partners, of the pending change in an automated fashion. The customer could review the PCN to assess impact and any special considerations through the PCN gateway.
    Shortages are addressed through customer service and operations with the goal of advance notification to mitigate impact. This is an acute dialogue with customer supply chain and the Molex operations involved.
    There are long-standing coping mechanisms for obsolescence from last-time buy deals to using third-party long-term storage facilities to cover anticipated future support, especially for end-of-life management. Molex also works with our distribution and contract manufacturing partners as an approach to mitigate this challenge.
     
    Barbella: Please discuss any other trends you are noticing in electronic component development (medical devices).
    Kalaijakis: One of the greater trends we are experiencing in medtech is robotic assist. This is trending not only in the surgical space, where the first mover activity started, but in several other areas including drug delivery systems, rehabilitation therapy, sterilization, remote ambulatory assistance, telemedicine, and many others. In addition, there are unique applications surfacing daily, changing the scope of component development. The common thread is smaller, less visible, and connected.

     

    Related Searches
    • Electronics
    Related Knowledge Center
    • Electronics
    Suggested For You
    Medtech Matters: Medtronic Medtech Matters: Medtronic's Robotic Surgery Status
    Medtech Makers: Material Science for Micromolding Medtech Makers: Material Science for Micromolding
    Cretex Companies CEO Steps Down Cretex Companies CEO Steps Down
    Are you prepared for EUDAMED actor registration module? Let’s get started Are you prepared for EUDAMED actor registration module? Let’s get started
    Data Show Porex Data Show Porex's Medical Device Filtration Materials Protect Against Virus, Bacteria Spread
    Endoscopic Hemostasis Devices Market Valued at $730 Million Endoscopic Hemostasis Devices Market Valued at $730 Million
    Henry Schein Buys Majority Interest in Prism Medical Products Henry Schein Buys Majority Interest in Prism Medical Products
    Boston Scientific Boston Scientific's Vercise Genus DBS Earns FDA Approval
    TPI Partners with Zeiss TPI Partners with Zeiss
    Neurent Medical Closes $25 Million Series B Financing Neurent Medical Closes $25 Million Series B Financing
    FDA OKs Canon Medical FDA OKs Canon Medical's AI-Powered, 90cm Bore CT
    Eitan Medical Receives FDA Clearance for Sapphire Infusion System Eitan Medical Receives FDA Clearance for Sapphire Infusion System
    Researchers Successfully ‘Fine Tune’ New Thermoplastic Biomaterial Researchers Successfully ‘Fine Tune’ New Thermoplastic Biomaterial
    CHF Solutions Appoints CEO CHF Solutions Appoints CEO
    Cognito Therapeutics’ Lead Product Receives FDA Breakthrough Device Designation Cognito Therapeutics’ Lead Product Receives FDA Breakthrough Device Designation

    Related Online Exclusives

    • Electronics
      Meeting Critical Ventilator Product Requirements Amid Pandemic

      Meeting Critical Ventilator Product Requirements Amid Pandemic

      One supplier serves as a case study in how to service OEMs during potentially catastrophic disruptions to the supply chain.
      Sven Richter, Vice President Analytical & Medical, Fluid Control & Pneumatics, Emerson 01.13.21

    • Electronics
      Big Data

      Big Data's Role in Sensor Design

      Insight into device use is driving trends in miniaturization, low-power options, and conversion to digital sensing.
      Michael Barbella, Managing Editor 11.09.20

    • Electronics
      Addressing the Non-Magnetic Inductor Need in Medical Electronics

      Addressing the Non-Magnetic Inductor Need in Medical Electronics

      A proprietary non-magnetic material developed by Gowanda Electronics provides inductance qualities.
      Michael Barbella 11.03.20


    • Electronics
      Unlocking the Potential of Digital Health With IoMT Devices

      Unlocking the Potential of Digital Health With IoMT Devices

      Patients are pushing medical device companies to deliver products that support their connected lifestyles.
      Michael Barbella, Managing Editor 10.27.20

    • Electronics
      Meeting the Need for Bandwidth Speed

      Meeting the Need for Bandwidth Speed

      Enhanced video and data communication rates are pushing the limits of medical electronics.
      Michael Barbella, Managing Editor 10.22.20

    • Electronics
      Capacitor Considerations for Medical Applications

      Capacitor Considerations for Medical Applications

      Careful selection of even the smallest electronic components can make a significant difference in a device’s capabilities.
      Rich Bestafka, Key Account Manager—Medical, Knowles Precision Devices 10.12.20


    • Contract Manufacturing | Electronics
      Innovation, Miniaturization are Top Priorities for Electronic Components Manufacturers

      Innovation, Miniaturization are Top Priorities for Electronic Components Manufacturers

      But many companies are hesitant to start new development projects while the coronavirus is still rampant.
      Michael Barbella, Managing Editor 10.05.20

    • Electronics
      Designing for Safety with Specialist Resistors

      Designing for Safety with Specialist Resistors

      How resistors for high voltage and surge medical applications reduce risk in the new ‘healthcare anywhere’ scenario.
      Stephen Oxley, Business Development Engineer, TT Electronics 09.14.20

    • Electronics
      Disruptive Medical Device Cybersecurity Solution

      Disruptive Medical Device Cybersecurity Solution

      A new technology offers a different approach to cybersecurity for implantable devices.
      Daniel L. Greene, Ph.D., COO, and James M. Hair III, Ph.D., CSO—Tueor Technologies 08.27.20


    • Diagnostics | Electronics | Neurological
      Thin-Film Electrode Advancements May Enable Less Invasive Neurosurgery

      Thin-Film Electrode Advancements May Enable Less Invasive Neurosurgery

      New polyimide thin-film technologies may also provide higher resolution recording for more advanced clinical applications.
      Dave Rosa, President and CEO, NeuroOne Medical Technologies Corporation 08.27.20

    • Electronics
      A Look at IEC 60601-1-3rd Edition, 2nd Amendment

      A Look at IEC 60601-1-3rd Edition, 2nd Amendment

      Changes and updates to an essential safety standard.
      Claudia Sirch, Chief Engineer, Intertek 08.26.20

    • Electronics
      Proportional Valves in Medical Devices

      Proportional Valves in Medical Devices

      Selecting the ideal valve based on value and control.
      Paul Gant, Emerson Automation Solutions 07.10.20


    • Electronics | Neurological
      Thin-Film Electrodes for Brain Surgery Reach the Market

      Thin-Film Electrodes for Brain Surgery Reach the Market

      An important advancement for treating patients with epilepsy and brain tumors.
      Dave Rosa, President and CEO, NeuroOne Medical Technologies Corporation 06.30.20

    • Electronics | Materials
      Ultra-Thin Base Materials Take PCB Miniaturization to the Next Level

      Ultra-Thin Base Materials Take PCB Miniaturization to the Next Level

      Flexible and rigid ultra-thin base materials enable highly reliable, thinner PCBs.
      Daniel Schulze, Engineering Manager at Dyconex 02.07.20

    • Electronics | Software & IT | Surgical
      Don’t Touch: Gesture Tech Is Reshaping How We Interact with Devices

      Don’t Touch: Gesture Tech Is Reshaping How We Interact with Devices

      Where can the technology improve procedures and interactions in the healthcare and medtech space?
      Stephanie Van Ness, Sr. Marketing Communications Manager, Integrated Computer Solutions 12.02.19


    Trending
    • Portable, Home-Use Device Quickly Measures Inflammation Levels
    • Masimo Earns CE Mark For New Fingertip Pulse Oximeter
    • TPI Partners With Zeiss
    • Top 10 Trends In The Medical Device And Equipment Industry
    • Understanding Food-Grade Vs. Biocompatibility For Medical Device Materials
    Breaking News
    • Cretex Companies CEO Steps Down
    • Data Show Porex's Medical Device Filtration Materials Protect Against Virus, Bacteria Spread
    • Endoscopic Hemostasis Devices Market Valued at $730 Million
    • Henry Schein Buys Majority Interest in Prism Medical Products
    • Boston Scientific's Vercise Genus DBS Earns FDA Approval
    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

    NIH Study Compares Low-Fat, Plant-based to Low-Carb, Animal-Based Diet
    Gadot Positions Mineral Line for Vegan Market
    Nutritfy India to Launch Global Broadcast Channel Covering Nutrition
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    LINE-X Launches Dealer Program with International Truck
    PPG Reports Q4, Full-year 2020 Financial Results
    BASF Begins Implementing Ralignment of Global Business Services Unit
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    Cretex Companies CEO Steps Down
    Data Show Porex's Medical Device Filtration Materials Protect Against Virus, Bacteria Spread
    Endoscopic Hemostasis Devices Market Valued at $730 Million
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    Pfizer, BioNTech Enter Vax Pact with COVAX
    FDA Approves Janssen’s CABENUVA
    AGC Biologics Appoints Boulder Site GM
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    Coty Appoints Chief Procurement Officer
    Lageen Tubes Launches Mono-Material PE Tube Solutions
    Jason Jones Loses Battle with Covid-19
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    Carol’s Daughter Adds New Hair Products
    Moroccan Gold Series Launches NuDo Shampoo
    Youbody Debuts Waterless Body Wash
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    BOBST Demonstrates Future of Flexible Packaging Production at Virtual Open House
    Morancé Soudure France Adds Comexi F2 MC 10-color Flexo Press
    AR Packaging Acquiring Firstan Holdings Ltd
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    Gallus planning virtual event for March
    Lemu Group engineers mask-making machine
    Niagara Label upgrades with Nilpeter flexo press
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    Freudenberg to Establish Apparel Interlining Competence Centers
    Minet Adds Spunlace Line in Romania
    Lemu Group Engineers Mask-Making Machine
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Cretex Companies CEO Steps Down
    Conformis Enters Development & Supply Agreement with SITES Medical
    Sectra, RSA Biomedical Sign Distribution Agreement for Implant Stability Tool
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    UDC Subsidiary Adesis' Website Wins 2020 MarCom Platinum Award
    Ambiq Wins IoT Semiconductor Company of the Year Award
    Ynvisible Names Michael Robinson CEO, Jani-Mikael Kuusisto SVP Ventures

    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