It doesn’t take a brain surgeon (wait, yes it does) to understand the need for tiny devices that can maneuver in delicate tissue, tiny arteries, rigid ligaments, or membrane-like scaffolds. The trend continues and the corresponding need for micro components and assemblies that enable devices across all medical and drug delivery market segments. Some of these devices are as follows:

Neurology:
• Aneurysm Prevention
• Robotic Surgery Devices
• Cranial screws
• Neuro stimulation
• Drug Development Transfection Nozzles

   Endocrinology:
• Glucose Monitoring Needle Assemblies
• Insulin Delivery Sheaths

   Oncology:
• Drug-infused membrane patches
• Needle Arrays
• Transdermal patches

   Ophthalmology:
• Macular Degeneration Laser Nozzles
• Aspirators
• Capillary Nozzles
• Glaucoma Drains
• Intraocular Implants
• Punctum Plugs
• Intraocular Slow Release Drug Delivery Implants

Cardiology:
• Catheter tips
• Biopsy jaws
• Robotic Surgery Devices
• Ligation Clips

Orthopedics:
• Bio-resorbable implants
• Biomimicry devices
• Suture anchors
• Reconstructive Cones and Scaffolds

Pediatrics:
• Sheaths
• Cannulas
• Introducers

Urology:
• Laparoscopes/Endoscopes
• Prostate Seeds & Markers
• Ablation Devices

ENT:
• Hearing Aids
• Cochlear Implants
• Nasal aspirators

These tiny devices are being designed for futuristic exploration and treatments through tiny tubes and lumens via veins, arteries, capillaries, digestive systems, and natural orifices. These miniature devices are required to be both collapsible and expandable, flexible yet strong, rigid yet dissolvable. These are not simple challenges, however, they are being met with an elite group of micro molders who dedicate their lives and company solely to enable these extremely tiny and tight tolerance devices. The miniaturization trend will continue with devices even smaller and with immediate diagnostic capabilities- a unique value chain, creating mutual value in the medical and drug delivery device industry.

About the author:

Donna Bibber has a B.S. degree in Plastics Engineering from the University of Massachusetts-Lowell. She has designed and brought to production hundreds of micro-sized medical and drug delivery devices over the past 30 years. Donna was voted as one of 100 Notable People in Medical Devices in 2008. She is currently CEO of Isometric Micro Molding in New Richmond, WI where these microdevices are fabricated and assembled using high volume micro molding and automation. Ready to start your micro project? Contact us today!