Feature: Connectors
Quick disconnect plastic connectors from Smiths Interconnect
Reuse is key In some cases, where reuse of medical products increases the risk of spreading disease, it is still desirable to have low-cost, reliable, yet disposable devices that can be used on one patient only. However, because hospitals and clinicians must now factor in cost and waste concerns, it is becoming more important to minimise the disposable portion of the medical system, with what is leſt re-usable as much as feasible. Tis makes financial sense and minimises environmental waste. A perfect example are the disposable catheters used in
Cost-effective interconnects for autoclaved medical devices
By Daniel Ratzlaff, Product Line Manager, Smiths Interconnect
T
he medical market is being increasingly impacted by mega-trends such as expanding global markets, the extreme demands imposed by COVID-19, ageing population, and, where possible, product reusability, addressing the growing issues of both waste and recycling to
minimise environmental impact. All these trends drive the need for high-quality and affordable medical devices that meet economic needs and local demands.
56 September/October 2020
www.electronicsworld.co.uk
electrophysiology. Tis is a procedure that maps and treats arrhythmias by feeding the catheter through a small incision (typically in the groin area) into a blood vessel to the heart, allowing quicker patient recovery, with fewer complications, compared with traditional open-heart methods. Te catheters themselves are oſten single-use devices. Te extension cables connecting these catheters to the system
traverse the border between the sterile field (where the patient is) and the external system, which is in an unsterile area away from the patient. Tese cables are typically reused and sterilised between patients, reducing the cost of each procedure. A leading medical device manufacturer was recently looking
for an alternative to standard high-cost autoclave-compatible connector offerings for its new range of electrophysiology catheters. Connector requirements included small size, ease of use, ruggedness and resistance to autoclave sterilisation, in a package accommodating multiple contacts and ensuring signal reliability from the external system through the extension cable, to the tip of the catheter, and back.
Additional features Tere are many connector options for autoclavable connectors, but this device maker required additional features, such as low mating forces and low contact resistance, in a package easy and intuitive for medical personnel to use whilst focusing their attention on the procedure and patient care. Multiple paths were explored, including development of a
custom connector, but the existing Smiths Interconnect circular plastic D Series met many of the requirements with its offering. However, the current solution would not survive autoclaving. A review was conducted to evaluate all features and required
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