INSTRUMENTATION • ELECTRONICS
LAYERING UP O
How can the role of advanced thermal solutions revolutionise the design of medical devices?
riginal Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are increasingly seeking out sophisticated thermal
solutions to improve the performance of medical devices. With over two million different medical devices across the global market, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the design of these critical devices must be perfect. In this article, Andy Selvy, the chief systems designer at industrial heating technology manufacturer Watlow, delves into the transition from traditional heaters to advanced, layered heating technologies in medical device design.
THERMAL MANAGEMENT IS CRITICAL Thermal management within medical devices, clinical diagnostics instruments and analytical instruments involves the sophisticated control of temperatures to prevent overheating and ensure devices operate within their optimal performance range. Proper thermal regulation is vital because even the slightest of deviations can lead to device failure, diminished treatment effectiveness, or serious risks to user safety. Effective thermal management
is crucial for devices that generate significant heat during operation or that use heat as part of therapeutic treatments. Examples include maintaining body-temperature fluids in dialysis machines and regulating the temperature of surgical tools to avoid tissue damage. This precise temperature control is essential for the success of treatments and the safety of patients.
ADDRESSING THE CHALLENGES The introduction of sophisticated heating technologies into medical devices brings a set of complex challenges that must be carefully
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managed. Advanced heating solutions must not only provide effective temperature control but also ensure safety, requiring rigorous testing and adherence to international safety standards such as IEC 60601-1-11. This regulatory standard outlines specific safety requirements for medical electrical equipment. Achieving high thermal efficiency
is essential to prevent overheating, enhance energy efficiency and minimise operational costs. This involves optimising heat transfer capabilities, improving insulation and selecting materials that exhibit excellent thermal properties. Each of these factors plays a critical role in the development of safe and effective medical devices. Furthermore, the development
of cutting-edge thermal solutions can be both complex and costly. Manufacturers must balance these factors with the need to produce affordable medical devices. This
balance is crucial to ensure that advanced medical technologies remain accessible to healthcare providers and patients alike. Balancing cost and complexity requires innovative design strategies, efficient manufacturing processes and careful material selection to ensure the final product is both effective and economically viable for the market.
LAYERED HEATER TECHNOLOGY The move to advanced heater solutions is motivated by the demand for medical devices that are not only compact and energy-efficient, but reliable and consistent in operation. Traditional heating solutions have
long relied on nichrome element wires embedded within magnesium oxide insulation. These products, such as cartridge and tubular heaters, have been foundational yet come with inherent limitations. They often struggle with heat distribution and
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