• 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
    The Changing Face of Medtech Surface Treatment

    The Totally Tubular Technologies that Support Medical Devices

    Simply Stimulating: Examining the Neurostimulation Sector

    Sensing Technology Drives the Future of Medical Care

    New and Developing Diabetes Technologies Offer 'Sweet Relief'
    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
    Regulatory
    Financial/Business
    Top News
    FDA Approves Abbott's Epic Max Tissue Valve for Aortic Valve Disease

    Aural Analytics' Speech Analytics Software for ALS Gains Breakthrough Status

    Bigfoot Biomedical Acquires Insulin Titration Algorithm from McGill

    Apply Now: Junkosha's Technology Innovator of the Year Awards 2023

    SIS Medical's OPN NC PTCA Dilatation Catheter Released in U.S.
    From the Editor
    Blogs
    Guest Opinions
    Top Opinions
    The Changing Face of Medtech Surface Treatment

    The Totally Tubular Technologies that Support Medical Devices

    Simply Stimulating: Examining the Neurostimulation Sector

    Sensing Technology Drives the Future of Medical Care

    New and Developing Diabetes Technologies Offer 'Sweet Relief'
    Top 30 Medical Device Companies
    Market Data
    White Papers
    Top Research
    Timeline Mystery for Updated EtO Rules

    An Update on Hospital Trends Post-Pandemic

    Don’t Fear the Audit: Benefits of Good Quality Practices

    Understanding the FDA’s Standards & Conformity Assessment Program

    Medtech Divestitures Are Good for Medtech Innovation
    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
    NDH Medical Inc.

    Providence Enterprise USA Inc.

    Halkey-Roberts Corporation

    Fusion Biotec Inc.

    Arthur G. Russell Co. Inc., The
    MPO Summit
    Industry Events
    Webinars
    Live From Show Event
    Industry Associations
    Videos
    Career Central
    eBook
    Slideshows
    Top Resources
    Designing for Manufacturing: 5 Common Startup Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

    5 Challenges Medtech Must Address to Transform Healthcare

    3D Printing Medical Devices Revolutionized Manufacturing

    5 Current Trends in Medical Device Security

    How Advanced Sensors Improve Design & Functionality of Respiratory Care Equipment
    Companies
    News Releases
    Product Releases
    Press Releases
    Product Spec Sheets
    Service Releases
    Case Studies
    White Papers
    Brochures
    Videos
    Outsourcing Directory
    NDH Medical Inc.

    Providence Enterprise USA Inc.

    Halkey-Roberts Corporation

    Fusion Biotec Inc.

    Arthur G. Russell Co. Inc., The
    • 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
    • eBook
    • Resources
    • Podcasts
    • 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
    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
    Nissha Medical Technologies Nissha Medical Technologies
    JK Medirise-Disposable Medical Device Company JK Medirise-Disposable Medical Device Company
    American Swiss Products Co. Inc. American Swiss Products Co. Inc.
    Integer Holdings Corporation Integer Holdings Corporation
    DDL Inc. DDL Inc.
    RAUMEDIC Inc. RAUMEDIC Inc.
    C&J Industries Inc. C&J Industries Inc.
    NDH Medical Inc. NDH Medical Inc.
    sfm medical devices GmbH sfm medical devices GmbH
    Teleflex Medical OEM Teleflex Medical OEM
    Simbex Simbex
    Coastline International Inc. Coastline International Inc.
    BMP Medical - Delivering Custom Plastics Manufactured Solutions BMP Medical - Delivering Custom Plastics Manufactured Solutions
    High Tech Turning Co. Inc. High Tech Turning Co. Inc.
    Vital Now! Medical Marketing & Communications Vital Now! Medical Marketing & Communications

    Related Buyers Guide Companies

    • Nissha Medical Technologies

      ...
      Amy Jeary, Market Development Manager 11.18.22

    • JK Medirise-Disposable Medical Device Company

      ...
      Ketan Munjani, Marketing Manager 11.17.22

    • American Swiss Products Co. Inc.

      ...
      Douglas Bell, Sales 11.17.22


    • Integer Holdings Corporation

      Integer Holdings Corporation

      ...
      Lauren Ban 11.11.22

    • DDL Inc.

      DDL Inc.

      DDL has been in medical device package, product and material testing industry for almost 20 years. We strive to offer the most effective business practices while employing a staff of technical experts.
      Chris Murphy, Marketing Manager 11.11.22

    Loading, Please Wait..

    Trending
    • Medinbox And Abbott Partner To Increase Efficiency In Electrophysiology Labs
    • Masimo Reveals Freedom Health-Tracking Smartwatch
    • FDA OKs FemDx Medsystems' FalloView Device
    • Getinge’s Cardiosave Faces CE-Certificate Suspension From TÜV SÜD
    • A New Approach To Post-Market Surveillance
    Breaking News
    • FDA Approves Abbott's Epic Max Tissue Valve for Aortic Valve Disease
    • Aural Analytics' Speech Analytics Software for ALS Gains Breakthrough Status
    • Bigfoot Biomedical Acquires Insulin Titration Algorithm from McGill
    • Apply Now: Junkosha's Technology Innovator of the Year Awards 2023
    • SIS Medical's OPN NC PTCA Dilatation Catheter Released in U.S.
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    March 2023

    • Sensing Technology Drives the Future of Medical Care
    • New and Developing Diabetes Technologies Offer 'Sweet Relief'
    • Discussing Matters of Substance in Medtech Materials
    • Medical Device Testers Are Caught Up in a Whirlwind
    • 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

    Kemin Human Nutrition & Health Acquires Oral Health Ingredient
    Wiley Eliminates Outer Carton From Packaging to Reduce Waste
    ACG Expands as Vantage Nutrition Acquires ComboCap and its Dual-Chamber Capsule Technology
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    PPG Names Rodolfo Ramirez GM, Packaging Coatings
    Sherwin-Williams Unveils High Performance Interior Marine Decking Systems
    AkzoNobel Appoints Ricardo Rosso as Pontiac Site Manager
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    FDA Approves Abbott's Epic Max Tissue Valve for Aortic Valve Disease
    Aural Analytics' Speech Analytics Software for ALS Gains Breakthrough Status
    Bigfoot Biomedical Acquires Insulin Titration Algorithm from McGill
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    Thermo Fisher, Arsenal Biosciences Partner to Manufacture Autologous T-Cell Therapies
    Aquestive Therapeutics Expands Libervant License/Supply Agreement with Pharmanovia
    OncoVent, Orient EuroPharma Enter License Agreement for Oregovomab
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    GK Launches Vegan Hair Styling Range
    Sexual Wellness Brand Playground Recruits Christina Aguilera
    Buttah Skin Founder Wins Emerging Brand Partner of the Year Award from Macy’s
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    Kao Launches Space Shampoo Sheet for Haircare
    Procter & Gamble Brings Tide Relief Project to Mississippi Tornado Victims
    Cleaning Industry Leaders Head To Capitol Hill on March 29
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    INX International Makes Investment in Gooten
    Videojet Launches 1580 C Soft-Pigmented Contrast Printer
    Epson to Showcase Textile, Signage and Aqueous Printers at ISA 2023
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    AWA announces first International Linerless Label Conference
    Apex partners with MicroDynamics for anilox quality control
    Industrias Omega adds Durst Tau RSC E
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    Toray Awarded for Nanodesign Technology
    SharpCell Launches Plastic-free Airlaid Material for Premium Napkins
    Suominen Offers Biolace Ultrasoft
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Collagen Matrix Rebrands to Regenity Biosciences
    OsteoBoost Study Yields Positive Results
    Conventus Flower Ortho Appoints Jeff Culhane as COO
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    Universal Display Sponsors, Presents at ICDT 2023
    Miron Washington Joins Impinj Board of Directors
    All-Time High for Global 300MM Semiconductor Capacity in 2026: SEMI

    Copyright © 2023 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