Medical Implants: Zwitterions Coating Could Prevent Blood Clotting

Zwitterions sound likes a distant cousin of Twitter (X), but in fact they are a common macromolecule found in human cells. Scientists at the University of Sydney are also now using zwitterions to create materials that could stop blood clots from forming in medical devices and implants. Read on to learn more.

Microdisplay Monitors Brain Activity

A thin film that combines an electrode grid and LEDs can both track and produce a visual representation of the brain’s activity in real time. The device is designed to provide neurosurgeons visual information about a patient’s brain to monitor brain states during surgical interventions to remove brain lesions including tumors and epileptic tissue. Read on to learn more.

Exploring Electrosurgery: Current Trends and Challenges

Electrosurgery continues to evolve, driven by advancements in technology and a growing demand for minimally invasive surgical techniques. Pulsed field ablation represents a cutting-edge development in the field, offering a novel approach to tissue ablation with the potential to revolutionize the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias and other clinical conditions. As research and innovation in electrosurgery progress, the future holds promise for further improving patient outcomes and advancing the practice of medicine. Read on to learn more.

Device Strengthens Rotator Cuff Repair

Researchers focused on the development and regeneration of the tendon-to-bone attachment, particularly for advancing tendon-to-bone repair, necessary for rotator cuff repair, and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The researchers have developed a python-tooth-inspired device as a supplement to current rotator cuff suture repair and found that it nearly doubled repair strength. Read on to learn more.

Plug Prevents Total Knee Replacement

Synthetic cartilage-capped regenerative osteochondral plugs offer a potential off-the-shelf surgical device to treat OCDs and avoid total knee replacement. Read on to learn more about them.

How Precision Motion Components Enable Successful Robotic Surgery Outcomes

Mitigating robotic surgery risks often comes down to the precision and performance of your motion components. That’s why it’s important to work with a motion component manufacturer that is known for quality products with these attributes. Read on to learn more.

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.