When the smell of bratwurst fills the air and the cool wind has just a bit of moisture in it, you may be traveling between the enormous halls at the Messe Dusseldorf Center in Germany. Anyone who has visited this event in the past knows the sheer volume of attendees and exhibitors, making it difficult to find a company that may be able to aid with an upcoming design or development project.

With this in mind, MPO presents its annual series of Q&A sessions with a number of supply chain companies exhibiting at the show. Perhaps Integer will have the answers for your current development idea and help you get to the finish line faster. We spoke with Niall Cullen, Sr. director, product marketing, cardio & vascular, at the company to get some additional insights on what Integer does and how it may be able to serve you.

Sean Fenske: What technology or service are you emphasizing at Medica/Compamed this year?

Niall Cullen: This year at CompaMed, Integer is focusing on our advanced solutions for complex delivery systems, electrophysiology catheters, steerable guiding sheaths, and structural heart delivery systems. These products cater to the growing demand for minimally invasive procedures, where precision and performance are critical. With our expertise in developing high-value components, implantable textiles, complex subassemblies, and finished devices, we are showcasing technologies that enable our customers to accelerate time-to-market and bring life-saving innovations to patients faster. One of the recently added capabilities to our portfolio includes micro-machined components with Hierarchical Surface Restructuring (HSR). This advanced surface treatment technology is used to modify the surface of implantable electrodes and microelectrode arrays using ultrashort pulse lasers. This process is tunable, providing a truly engineered surface morphology. We are excited to highlight the breadth of our capabilities, from rapid prototyping, concept development, and local R&D support through to full-scale manufacturing, providing OEMs with a trusted partner for collaboration and delivering innovative solutions.

Fenske: What’s the most common challenge customers inquire about and how do you address it?

Cullen: One of the most common challenges our customers face is navigating the complexity of bringing innovative medical devices to market quickly while maintaining high quality and meeting regulatory standards. Integer addresses this by offering a vertically integrated approach that spans from product concept and prototyping through to full-scale production. We partner closely with our customers to streamline every phase of development—whether they need components, subassemblies, or full-system solutions. Our investments in R&D and our global manufacturing capabilities ensure we can meet tight development timelines without compromising on quality, helping our customers stay competitive in a fast-paced industry.

Fenske: If you could give one piece of advice to companies seeking a manufacturing partner before they make a decision, what would it be?

Cullen: My advice would be to look for a manufacturing partner that can offer more than just production capabilities. A true partner should bring extensive technical expertise, a deep understanding of the regulatory landscape, and the ability to support you across the entire product lifecycle. At Integer, we take a collaborative approach, working alongside our customers to co-create innovative solutions. From early-stage R&D to commercialization, we ensure our customers have access to the full spectrum of services and resources they need to succeed. Choosing a partner with comprehensive capabilities and expertise can significantly reduce time-to-market and improve the overall success of your product.

Fenske: What are the forces driving medical device manufacturers to seek your technology/services over doing it in-house?

Cullen: Several key forces drive medical device manufacturers to seek our expertise rather than keeping everything in-house. First, the complexity of developing next-generation medical devices—especially in high-growth areas like electrophysiology, neurovascular, and cardiovascular solutions—requires specialized skills and technologies. Medical device manufacturers can rely on trusted partners while they focus on what’s most important to them.

Second, Integer’s extensive experience and vertically integrated capabilities provide OEMs with access to critical components, advanced materials, and scalable solutions that would be costly and time-consuming to develop internally.

Finally, the pressure to innovate rapidly while adhering to stringent regulatory standards means partnering with a proven, high-performance manufacturing partner like Integer enables companies to bring products to market faster and with greater confidence.

Fenske: In what ways is your company able to aid in getting a product (project) to market faster?

Cullen: Integer helps accelerate time-to-market by integrating R&D, prototyping, and manufacturing under one roof. Our global network of Centers of Excellence, including our newly expanded footprint in Galway, Ireland, allows us to streamline the entire product development process. We focus heavily on collaboration, working closely with customers to refine designs, reduce risks, and solve challenges early in the development cycle. With our in-house testing and regulatory expertise, we can anticipate and address potential roadblocks, ensuring smoother transitions from concept to commercialization. This holistic approach not only reduces development timelines but also enhances product quality, helping our customers meet market demands more efficiently.

Integer is located at Medica/CompaMed in Hall 8B, Booth/Stand N29.