Selecting cables and connectors for your medical device

Fischer Connectors’ solutions suited for medical devices include several types of connectors and associated cables (from left): Fischer Core Series Brass, Plastic, Disposable, Fischer MiniMax Series, and the Fischer Freedom Series. [Photo courtesy of Fischer Connectors]

Connectivity for safety and performance is a complex consideration when designing modern medical equipment.

David Ptacek, Fischer Connectors

In patient care settings from surgical to imaging and diagnostics, therapeutics and patient self-care, the use of medical electronic equipment is ubiquitous and continues to grow. Advanced technology featured in new equipment and devices is bringing about ever more innovation to benefit patient experience and outcomes.

Such new designs typically need to integrate connectivity solutions: cables, connectors and electronics. Even though it may seem straightforward, connectivity today is a complex en…

Read more
  • 0

Plastics and medical devices: Changes for safety and cost

The move toward polypropylene and polyethylene in medical devices requires new manufacturing and assembly solutions such as ultrasonic and laser welding.

Didier Perret, Emerson

Emerson’s Branson GSX Ultrasonic Welding Platform [Photo courtesy of Emerson]

Plastics are ubiquitous in medical applications thanks to their light weight, durability and flexibility, among other attributes. However, concern has been increasing in recent years about the possible negative effects of some ingredients and components in certain plastics. This is leading medical-device companies to research and use other resins or combinations of plastics without the same risks. However, they do not have the same processing characteristic, and the changes often require companies to implement new production processes, especially around assembly and joining technologies.

For instance, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is used in 40% of all …

Read more
  • 0