Medical Electronics

Imec has produced silicon neural probes that combine 12 monolithically integrated optrodes using a CMOS compatible process which enable optical stimulation and electronic detection of individual neurons, based on optogenetics techniques. The probes pave the way to a greater understanding of the brain and towards novel treatments for brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia, autism, and epilepsy. The enormous burden ...

Powerbox has introduced a range of medical power supplies which combine low leakage with electromagnetic compatibility designed for medical systems in CF class and BF class. The OFM30 series of 30W open-frame supplies has specified leakage current is less than 10µA, and EMC Class B average margin is 6dB. They will deliver 30W in continuous operation (peak up to 45W) ...

Schurter is tackling earth-borne interference currents in mains-powered equipment by adding a ground choke to its filtered power entry modules. Fitted in the KFA series of mains input modules alongside the existing phase and neutral common-mode choke, X capacitor and Y capacitors; as well as breaking ground-loops for audio, said the firm, special medical versions of the filters also improve ...

Regius Professor Chris Toumazou will present his ideas for how semiconductor technology can be used in consumer devices for the early detection and therapy of human diseases in the Gabor lecture at Imperial College, London on 23 June. Toumazou has developed an approach to healthcare technology called U+ Life which he says can provide personalised healthcare for early detection, point ...

Researchers at the University of Bonn have found a way to stimulate the larynx muscles of mice using light. It is believed the technique could be used in humans for the treatment of laryngeal paralysis, which causes difficulties in phonation and breathing. How is light able to create nerve stimulation in muscles? This is based on molecules known as Channelrhodopsins, first discovered in ...

ProTek Medical the Ireland-based medical device design house has been acquired by Molex. Headquartered in Silgo, ProTek Medical has designed products for applications that include cardiac rhythm management components, infusion finished devices, and vascular delivery devices. As well as design and engineering the company also carries out manufacturing, finished assembly and testing of critical medical devices. “This strategic acquisition broadens the ...

Imec and John Hopkins University of Baltimore have delivered a “game-changer in healthcare” with a chip-based technology called Milab which analyses molecules or cells in bodily fluids, such as DNA, proteins, viruses, and blood cells.

A smart switch to help people who have acute brain injury or severe disabilities using tiny electrical signals produced by muscles, called electromyography (EMG), to communicate is being developed by GSPK Design, working in partnership with Barnsley Hospital and the NIHR Devices for Dignity Healthcare Technology Co-operative (D4D). Knaresborough electronics design company, GSPK Design has received £76,000 for the initial development contract ...

A relatively new healthcare application for MEMS (micro electromechanical system) accelerometers is that of measuring a patient’s heart rate. Called ballistocardiology (BCG), a MEMS sensor is able to monitor the function of the heart through the recoil effect caused by the blood flowing into the aorta. An electrocardiogram (ECG) has been the traditional method of measuring the heart’s function through ...

Researchers in France have developed an organic electronic micropump for applying epileptic seizure inhibiting drugs directly into brain tissue. To treat neurological disorders such as epilepsy it is necessary to act at exactly the right time and place in the brain. The epilepsy drugs can become ineffective if not administered accurately or indeed the drugs themselves may be toxic to ...