Current pulse

Orthopedic trauma fixation devices market

According to a Persistence Market Research report, there is vast opportunity for the global orthopedic trauma market, with the largest area in external fixator devices. Key takeaways from the report are:

The orthopedic trauma fixation devices market was $5.7 billion in 2013 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2%, estimated to reach $9.4 billion in 2020.

Significant growth in the trauma fixation devices market is due to increased fracture cases and the demand for better orthopedic trauma surgery facilities.

North America has the largest market for orthopedic trauma fixation devices while Asia has the fastest growth potential.

The internal fixator has the largest market in the orthopedic trauma fixation device market and will likely grow at 6.8% annually through 2020.

Plate and screw systems, the most-used internal fixators for fixing a traumatized fracture, are expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.1% through 2020.

Bioabsorbable fixation devices are currently growing around 8.4%, and are expected to continue at that rate through 2020.

www.persistencemarketresearch.com

Hummingbird, Masimo sign a multi-year agreement

Hummingbird’s paramagnetic oxygen sensing technology is used in Masimo’s ISA OR+ sidestream gas analyzers, which combine Masimo technologies with advanced features to optimize all aspects of multi-gas monitoring.

The Paracube paramagnetic oxygen sensing technology is used in the operating room to measure CO₂, N₂O, and anesthetic agents, and includes automatic agent identification.

Masimo’s ISA OR+ gas analyzers are offered as a stand-alone plug-in and measure modules, or as an easy-to-integrate built-in modules.

“We look forward to this valuable partnership with Hummingbird Sensing Technology, whose oxygen sensors will provide our customers with a cost-effective, non-depleting, RoHS-compliant solution for their oxygen measurement needs,” says Robert Zyzanski, CEO of Masimo Sweden AB.

www.hummingbirdsensing.com; www.masimo.com

TPSiV elastomers proven safe for skin contact

Dow Corning’s TPSiV 4000 and TPSiV 4200 thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) have been shown to be safe for skin contact applications in two independent medical test protocols. The results indicate these materials a safe option for skin-safe wearable electronics applications, such as wristbands for smart watches and fitness trackers, as well as for device accessories such as earbuds.

In vivo testing, performed in accordance with U.S. Pharmacopeia’s (USP) protocol, confirmed that TPSiV 4000 and TPSiV 4200 elastomers both lack cytotoxic potential and show no potential for systemic toxicity and skin irritation.

A hybrid of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and cross-linked silicone rubber, TPSiV materials combine the durability, abrasion resistance, and over-molding options of TPUs with the softness and resistance to ultraviolet light and chemicals offered by silicone technology. TPSiV elastomers can be color-matched to customer specifications and maintain their color in demanding applications.

www.dowcorning.com

Hughes Circuits earns ISO 13485 certification

Hughes Circuits Inc. officials announce that the company has earned the ISO 13485:2003 certification – the established quality standard for manufacturers of medical devices as defined by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

Hughes Circuits was awarded the certification by ABS Quality Evaluations Inc. headquartered in Houston. Within Hughes Circuits, the ISO 13485:2003 certification is applicable to the manufacture of custom circuit assemblies for the medical industry.

“Achieving certification to ISO 13485:2003 demonstrates Hughes Circuits’ commitment to quality and customer service, and positions the company for growth in supporting the medical device sector,” says Steve Hughes, vice president of the assembly division. “Earning our ISO 13485 certification, we are poised and excited for the opportunities which lie ahead with our customers in the medical device industry.”

www.hughescircuits.com

Novartis to license Google smart lens technology

Officials from Novartis’ eye care division, Alcon, have entered into an agreement with a division of Google Inc. to license its smart lens technology for all ocular medical uses.

The agreement with Google[x] provides Alcon with the opportunity to develop and commercialize Google’s smart lens technology with the potential to transform eye care and further enhance Alcon’s pipeline and position in contact lenses and intraocular lenses.

Google’s advances in the miniaturization of electronics complement Novartis’s pharmaceuticals and medical device expertise. Novartis aims to enhance the ways in which diseases are mapped within the body and ultimately prevented.

Under the agreement, Google[x] and Alcon will collaborate to develop a smart lens that has the potential to address ocular conditions. The smart lens technology involves non-invasive sensors, microchips, and other miniaturized electronics that are embedded within contact lenses.

Novartis’ interest focuses on two areas:

• Helping diabetic patients manage their disease by providing a continuous, minimally invasive measurement of the body’s glucose levels via a smart contact lens, which is designed to measure tear fluid in the eye and connect wirelessly with a mobile device
• Vision correction for people living with presbyopia who can no longer read without glasses. The smart lens has the potential to provide accommodative vision correction to help restore the eye’s natural autofocus on near objects in the form of an accommodative contact lens or intraocular lens as part of the refractive cataract treatment.
   

www.novartis.com