Miniaturization is one of the biggest trends in medical
device development today. Ensuring that these devices, as they get smaller, are
still able to be connected reliably and securely is no simple task. This
presentation discusses the miniaturization trend in the medical device
manufacturing industry and briefly highlights the nano and micro connectors
used in them.
Medical technologies are rapidly miniaturizing as a result
of three supporting events. First, the development of the new, high density
“digital chip” allows the combining of multiple functions into one, small
electronic module. Secondly, the expansion of medical research and diagnosis of
symptoms that is available to the doctor. Third, the economic focus that is on
cost containment in the medical services provider. As a result, medical
electronics systems are changing and are being miniaturized to offer more
control, and information during a single use of the equipment.
Miniaturized devices also expand medical service beyond the
hospital environment. Large machines have been reduced in size and provide a
number of advantages and new applications. As more devices are used, countertop
space, wall mounts, and electrical service to instruments are being replaced
with hand-held systems and wireless controls in smaller offices. Also, with
device capability expanding, the early, low-cost disposable tools are being
replaced with smart devices that do more for the physician and are reusable. Higher-end
medical devices are expanding the services available in the doctor’s office and
reducing time to diagnosis. Emergency and portable medical equipment are being
utilized in areas from airports and ambulances to group medical stations for
sporting events.
Early technology examples of the new medical era include dental
x-ray chips that eliminate the use of film, digital stethoscopes, esophageal
scopes, and arthroscopic surgery tools. A number of catheter systems now
include electronic chips placed temporarily below the epidermis or touching
brain tissue to monitor symptoms, such as seizures. Bone conduction and
subcutaneous electronics are routinely applied to children with extreme hearing
loss.
To operate and use these electronic systems, nano and
miniature connectors are fit into the designs, enabling increased portability,
lower weight, and product sterilization (when necessary). Systems using nano connectors
have pioneered the research of brain mapping, and fit into most cochlear
implant hearing technologies. Probe tips, motor drives, and transesophageal probes
all require the use of micro and nano connectors to support miniaturization or
reuse of the instrument where applicable. Often times, micro and nano
connectors are molded into the medical device, module, or probe tip and become
part of the whole instrument. Micro and nano connector reliability becomes key
to the application as this industry grows and expands. To this end, the focus
on high-reliability and long range performance are critical in the design of
interconnects into the new era of “medical quality” micro and nano systems.
Bob Stanton is the Director of Technology for Omnetics Connector Corp. He is responsible for new product/market
development. Stanton
can be reached at 763-572-0656 or bstanton@omentics.com.