How Medical Robotics Is Transforming Healthcare

In this Q&A, Graysen Vigneux, medical analyst at GlobalData, explores how AI and machine learning are playing crucial roles in enhancing the precision and safety of these devices, enabling remote surgeries, and providing real-time assistance during operations.

Why Frameless Motors Are at the Forefront of the Surgical Robotic Revolution

With the never-ending advancement in surgical robotics, it is important to recognize the difficult balance between improving performance, commercial value, integration, and compatibility challenges. Read on to learn more.

Linear Motion Design Considerations for Medical Device OEMs

Medical device designers must consider several factors when selecting the appropriate technologies and evaluating their development partners. Read on to learn what these factors are and more.

A Miniaturized Robotic-Assisted Surgery System

The goal of Virtual Incision is to offer a way for facilities to add systems and improve their efficiency without disrupting their existing infrastructure. To do this, the company designed and manufactured MIRA, the world’s first miniaturized RAS platform that aims to be easily transported and set up in any operating room.

Designing the Right Motor to Enhance Surgical Robot Precision

This article highlights the steps designers should take when specifying their motor and motion system for use in surgical robot applications.

Part 2: Designing Piezo Handpieces for Ultrasonic Surgery

Part 1 of this article , which ran in March 2023, looked at the general structure, design variants, and system design of ultrasonic medical handpieces. Part 2 now reviews driver design, special applications, drive electronics, and failure mechanisms.

Automated Extrusion: Changing a Tubing Profile During Production

Technology in the medical field is constantly evolving and often requires an extensive array of medical-grade tubing in a variety of materials and thicknesses. Custom extrusion tooling can enable manufacturers to produce an unparalleled range of the highest quality medical tubing in the industry and address considerations such as improving the manufacturing process, product performance, or meeting specific customer requirements.

Part 1: Designing Piezo Handpieces for Ultrasonic Surgery

Part 1 of this article looks at the general structure, design variants, and system design of ultrasonic medical handpieces. In a future issue, Part 2 will examine driver design, special applications, drive electronics, and failure mechanisms.

Infection-Resistant, 3D Printed Metals Developed for Implants

The work could lead to better infection control in many common surgeries, such as hip and knee replacements, that are performed daily around the world. Bacterial colonization of the implants is one of the leading causes of their failure and bad outcomes after surgery.

Shape-Shifting Robotic Catheter Could Make Heart Surgery Safer

A beating heart makes for a formidable surgical arena, but a new robotic catheter could someday equip surgeons to operate in the cardiac environment with greater ease.

Materials Transform Surgical Catheters, Enable Repeatable Tests in IVD Cartridges

Medical devices are becoming smaller and smaller, and the need for advanced material solutions keeps growing. Through our deep understanding and application of fundamental chemistry, Chemours materials have emerged as effective alternatives — helping innovators in the medical industry achieve continued success across medical device design.

Soft Robotic System for Brain Surgery

Researchers have laid the groundwork for a soft robotic tool and control system that could grant surgeons an unprecedented degree of maneuverability within the brain.

From Ventilators to Surgical Robotics: Bearing Design Considerations for Medical Devices

Selecting suitable bearings for medical devices is crucial in ensuring their reliability and performance. Factors such as material choice, lubrication, precision and noise levels, and protection from contamination should be carefully considered to meet the demanding requirements of the healthcare industry.

Soft Robotic System Streamlines Brain Surgery

Researchers have laid the groundwork for a soft robotic tool and control system that could grant surgeons an unprecedented degree of maneuverability within the brain. A recent study demonstrates that the new system is both intuitive and highly accurate.

Inside the OEM: Intuitive Surgical

For nearly three decades, Intuitive Surgical has been a leader in robotic-assisted surgical systems. The company is driven by creating a healthcare future that is less invasive and where diseases are identified early and treated quickly. As a mature company, Intuitive is focusing on adoption of its systems.

Nature-Inspired Pressure Sensing Technology

A novel aero-elastic pressure sensor, called eAir can be applied to minimally invasive surgeries and implantable sensors by directly addressing the challenges associated with existing pressure sensors.

Assembly Technology for Next-Generation Robot-Assisted Surgery Systems and Instruments

The experience of technology providers in developing minimally invasive surgical instruments and RAS systems assembly offers significant advantages for the leading manufacturers of robot-assisted surgical systems.

All-in-One Device for Hemorrhage Control

A multi-faceted device is effective for treating deep, noncompressible, and irregularly shaped wounds. The device provides rapid hemorrhage management, has minimal inflammatory effects, and provides infection control.

Reshaping Medical Instrument Manufacturing with New Technology

Additive fusion technology opens doors to more sustainable manufacturing options that can help lower cost and reduce weight and waste, all while maintaining the integrity and strength required of geometrically complex and small parts subjected to harsh environments.

Real-Time Guidable-Tip Wire Aids in Surgically Treating Strokes

According to the World Health Organization, strokes are the leading cause of disability and the second-leading cause of death worldwide. One-fourth of people over 25 can expect to experience one during their lifetime.

Linear Motion Design Considerations for Medical Device OEMs

Linear actuators — in particular, electromechanical linear actuators — have become integral components of modern medical devices because of their high precision, accuracy, and ability to deliver repeatable motion control.

Bioinspired Imaging Sensor Advances FGS

There is a high risk of cancer recurrence if even a small number of cancerous cells are left behind after surgical resection. To prevent this, researchers have developed fluorescence-guided surgery...

Disruption Is on the Horizon: Trends in Precision Surgery

Medical technology is nearing the brink of a large-scale disruption. Attitudes are shifting, and there is a renewed focus on interoperability and data. Throughout 2023, I’m excited to see clinical influencers increasingly engaged to apply their expertise to clinical product development.

Artificial Intelligence: Making Innovations Fit for the MDR

Thanks to artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR) has long shaped product development across a variety of areas, including the medtech industry.

Thermosensitive Bioadhesives Enable Better Surgical Sealing

An injectable biomaterial with significantly improved adhesive strength, stretchability, and toughness could enable improved surgical sealing. This chemically modified,...

The Promise of Mobile Photoacoustic Imaging

Photoacoustic imaging, which combines optical and acoustic modalities, is enabling some of the most promising medical research.

Tool Brings Touch to MIS Procedures

Researchers have developed a simple, yet effective approach for on-demand tactile sensing in minimally invasive surgery, overcoming a key limitation — the inability of surgeons to feel tissues during an...

Enhancing Surgical Outcomes with Performance-Guided Surgery

Surgery is complex. When performing similar procedures, surgeons with various skill levels, training, and experience can have vastly different outcomes.

Microscope Could Speed Up and Simplify Breast Cancer Treatment

Researchers have developed an ultra-tiny endo-microscope that could help improve breast cancer treatment and cut NHS waiting lists.