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Researchers in regenerative medicine at the Georgia Institute of Technology are using synthetic polymers called hydrogels to promote the growth of blood vessels at the site of an injury. So says Growing Blood Vessels in the Spring 2010 issue of Horizons, a publication of the university. According to the article, because hydrogels are compatible with bioartificial tissues, they make a good therapeutic delivery vehicle in the treatment of peripheral artery and ischemic-heart disease as well as for the survival of cell and tissue transplants. The researchers tailored the biochemical and mechanical properties of hydrogel matrices so vasculature could easily grow in and around them. They did so by incorporating chemical cross-links into the gels that caused them to only degrade in the presence of certain enzymes. The researchers also introduced into the matrices a protein, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which stimulates the growth of blood vessels. In one project, after only two weeks, new vessels were growing in and around a degradable implant that included the growth factors, says the article.
Questions? Comments? Send them in, and we might publish them here!
— Leslie Gordon, Senior Editor, leslie.gordon@penton.com
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Numerical CAE methods can help optimize complex medical devices such as implants intended to reduce the effects of sleep apnea. The tongue is the most complex muscle system in the human body. As such, its behavior comprises a multitude of dynamic and sophistically interconnected physiological phenomenon. Simulations can help device developers see how the tongue generates loads and how an implant surgically placed into the tongue will affect a patient’s speech and swallowing.
In a recent project, our MSC.Software Solutions team used various software packages to generate a numerical model of the human tongue. Our goal was to simulate the dynamics of sleep apnea and optimize the implant design. We preprocessed the model with the NURBS surface modeler Rhinoceros 3D (Rhino) and CAE program MSC.Patran, solved with MSC.Marc and postprocessed with CEI EnSight as well as MSC. Patran.
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White Paper: 10 Reasons to Choose Image-based ID Readers
 Image-based ID readers stand poised to replace laser scanners in a wide range of industries. Thanks to advances in microprocessors, imaging sensors and decoding algorithms, ID readers have become not only more affordable, but also more powerful. This guide will show you how today’s most advanced image-based ID readers have overcome the technical and economic hurdles to offer a more attractive alternative to industrial laser scanners as well as help you choose the right image-based ID reader for your application.
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Piezoelectric motors and actuators have many advantages over conventional electromagnetic (EM) motors for medical equipment. Current medical applications for piezoelectric devices include ultrasonic emitters, artificial fertilization, medical nanomicroliter pumps, micromonitoring, surgery devices, and MRI-compatible robots. They are particularly useful for pick-n-place systems as used for microdose dispensing, cell penetration and cell imaging in cytopathology, and medical material handling.
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Engineers designing connectors for portable medical equipment must take several factors into consideration, including size and insertion force, shielding from interference, and preventing electrical shocks. Here’s a closer look at mechanical, electrical, and safety requirements, as well as customer concerns.
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A designer, developer, and manufacturer of custom-molded rubber products, extruded rubber products and
precision rollers, provides its new 10-page booklet Designing with Rubber.
The booklet from Robinson Rubber Products, Minneapolis, includes guidelines for selecting and identifying rubber compounds, a comprehensive glossary of terms, and a primer on compression, transfer, and injection-molding processes.
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Fabco-Air Inc., Gainesville, Fla., offers aluminum air cylinders that vie with their stainless-steel counterparts for extended cycle life in hostile environments. The proprietary coatings provide an economical alternative to stainless steel. A free white paper documents life-cycle testing that shows coated aluminum products are well protected against the effects of harsh environments. For more information go to FABCO-Air whitepaper
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Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed new approaches for incorporating antimicrobial properties into microneedles, which are less painful for patients and cause less tissue damage and skin inflammation. Microneedles could work well in portable medical devices for patients with chronic conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or diabetes. However, concerns about the possibility of infection have been an obstacle to the their widespread adoption — until now.
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Rapid injection molding tips
Protomold's monthly Design Tips are a popular and useful resource for designers and design engineers. We’ve compiled over 70 tips for designing injection molded parts in six handy, downloadable volumes. You’ll find useful tips and guidelines on everything from selecting materials to designing parts cost-effectively. Download today!
Boker's 2010 Washer Catalog
Boker's free 2010 Washer Catalog features over 24,000 non-standard flat washer sizes with ODs of 0.080" to 5.140"; numerous IDs and thicknesses; 2,000 materials; and no tooling charges. ISO 9001:2008 Registered.
www.bokers.com/mee
Get Savvy on Rapid Injection Molding
This quick-reference user guide, for engineers and designers, talks about the guidelines and limitations for rapid injection molding. Learn how to get the best possible results for your real plastic molded parts. Download Designing for Moldability, 2nd edition.
Phillips Plastics Corporation®
Medical OEM projects often require more that a custom part or a vendor with limited services. Learn more about the engineering services, materials support, clean rooms, quality control, packaging, sterilization, manufacturing technologies available from Phillips Plastics.
Product & Material Testing
Medical OEMs are product and technology experts, but understanding test requirements and carrying them out is challenging, taking you away from what you do best. Learn more about medical product test methods and requirements from the experts at DDL. www.testedandproven.com
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