Overview
The medical technology industry comprises companies developing and manufacturing medical devices and diagnostics. Medical devices represent an extraordinarily varied product group, ranging from simple disposable supplies such as face masks, catheters and syringes through to surgical implements, patient-treatment and monitoring instruments and ultimately encompassing high technology beds, laboratory equipment and capital-intensive body-scanning and radiotherapy plant.
Successful medical products—from drug delivery systems to diagnostic equipment and surgical devices – are key to advanced patient care. Proven technology gives you the confidence to know the design is correct as manufacturers of these products must create innovative approaches while working in a stringent regulatory environment.
Whether you design drug delivery systems or diagnostic equipment, surgical devices or products for advance patient care you need proven technology to give you the confidence to know the design is correct. Manufacturers of these products must also work within a stringent regulatory environment. In addition to having to meet regulatory requirements, medical device manufacturers face greater liability and safety issues than most other manufacturers. In this environment flawless, reliable product designs have become a competitive necessity, requiring preliminary proof that products are safe; or metrics around lifespan of products – before investing time and money in clinical trials. They all need the capability to have an integrated design and simulation solution to prove best case design and minimise prototyping costs.
Industry trends: pace of new product introductions is accelerating. Device packaging is getting smaller. Nanotechnology, MEMS, BioMEMS. Growth in at-home and self-care is driving more ergonomic design. Greater range of materials are being investigated in new designs. Regulatory requirements are increasing the adoption of design management tools.