Medical Device Design and Miniaturization: Scott Thielman's Interview with MD+DI

MD+DI recently spoke with Product Creation Studio CTO, Scott Thielman, to learn about the opportunities for medical device miniaturization, in particular design innovations, prototyping, manufacturing, and more.

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Such gains in cardiovascular devices are now inspiring new frontiers for miniaturization. “Cardiac surgical procedures have saved countless lives by stenting, valving, suturing, and pacing,” Thielman says. “As we move those procedures to the brain, we deal with even smaller and more delicate vasculature and neurons. Things that fit down a 6 French lumen suddenly must fit down a 3 French lumen or smaller. And the desire to manipulate and treat within these tighter confines continues to drive miniature mechanism feasibility studies.

“In related developments the desire to implant less obtrusive devices within the body has driven innovations in power management and delivery. And we are seeing implantable solutions for everything from pain management to sleep apnea,” he adds.