Medical Design Briefs - December 2014

Overview

The December 2014 issue of Medical Design Briefs presents a comprehensive overview of innovations and trends in the medical design field, showcasing advancements in technology, materials, and product design. This edition is particularly notable for its focus on the intersection of engineering and healthcare, emphasizing the importance of innovative solutions in medical device development.

Key Highlights:

1. Create the Future Design Contest: This issue celebrates the success of the Create the Future Design Contest, which received over 1,000 submissions from 61 countries. The contest recognizes outstanding innovation in product design, and the winners were honored at an awards banquet. The winning entries, including the Medical Category winner Yunus Alapan from Case Western Reserve University with his HemeChip team, are featured on the contest's website, highlighting the global engagement in medical design innovation.

2. Readers’ Choice Product of the Year: The magazine invites readers to participate in voting for the Readers’ Choice Product of the Year. This initiative encourages community involvement and recognition of significant new products introduced to the engineering community. The voting process is outlined, with a deadline for submissions, ensuring that readers can actively engage with the content and contribute to the recognition of impactful innovations.

3. Technology Leaders Section: The magazine announces an expansion of its “Technology Leaders” section, which will spotlight leading industry experts in various topics throughout the year. This initiative aims to provide readers with insights from thought leaders in areas such as electrical connectors, materials, disposables, and more. The inclusion of nine dedicated issues in 2015 promises to enhance the depth of coverage on critical topics relevant to medical design engineers.

4. Featured Articles: The issue includes several articles that delve into specific technological advancements:

   • Cost-Effective Plastic Injection Molding: This article discusses the latest techniques and technologies in plastic injection molding, emphasizing its significance in producing medical devices efficiently and cost-effectively. The focus is on how these advancements can lead to better product quality and reduced manufacturing costs.
   • New Technology to Measure Medical Balloons: This feature explores innovative measurement technologies for medical balloons, which are crucial in various medical applications, including angioplasty. The article highlights how precise measurement can improve the efficacy and safety of medical procedures.
   • Computer Simulation for Drug-Eluting Stents: This article examines the role of computer simulations in the design and testing of drug-eluting stents. It discusses how simulations can predict the performance of stents in the body, leading to better designs and improved patient outcomes.

5. Industry Insights: The magazine provides insights into regulatory issues and challenges facing medical design engineers. It emphasizes the importance of staying updated on regulatory changes and understanding their implications for product development and market entry.

6. Editorial Perspective: Editor Beth G. Sisk shares her vision for the magazine, expressing a commitment to delivering high-quality content that addresses the latest advances in materials, technology, and regulatory issues. She encourages readers to reach out with ideas for future articles, fostering a collaborative environment within the medical design community.

7. Contact Information and Resources: The issue includes contact details for the editorial team and information on how to access additional resources, including the magazine's website and links to relevant industry events and contests.

In summary, the December 2014 issue of Medical Design Briefs serves as a vital resource for professionals in the medical design field, offering a blend of innovative product showcases, expert insights, and community engagement opportunities. The focus on collaboration, technological advancement, and regulatory awareness positions this issue as a key reference for those involved in the design and development of medical devices. As the industry continues to evolve, this magazine remains committed to highlighting the critical advancements that shape the future of healthcare technology.