How a Coaxial Alternative Could Make Way for Smaller Catheters

A recent breakthrough in the design of medical device cables is expected to enable a new generation of small, flexible, and intelligent catheters according to Japanese wire and cable supplier Junkosha. The Tokyo, Japan-based supplier launched its Multi-Channel Transmission (MCT) at MD&M Minneapolis in late October. The new solution could challenge existing twisted pair coaxial and flexible printed circuit technology. Junkosha said MCT will enable new data-rich signals to be used in therapies such as an intracardiac echocardiogram, ultrasound endoscopy, and intervascular ultrasound (IVUS). "What's happening these days is on applications like intervascular ultrasound or ultrasound endoscopy or intracardiac echocardiogram you're trying to send signals from the distal end of the catheter back through to the equipment," Joe Rowan, president and CEO of Junkosha's UK and U.S. businesses, told MD+DI at MD&M Minneapolis. "What we're offering is the best compromise between size and signal integrity." Existing catheters use twisted pair coaxial constructs to support signals along the device. This established technology has driven advances in catheter design and facilitated the delivery of many essential interventional, intervascular diagnostics and therapies. However, both progress of miniaturization and flexibility has been hampered by the standard coaxial approach which comprises a core conductor, insulation, and a shield wire. Physics and electromagnetics have pre...
Source: MDDI - Category: Medical Devices Authors: Tags: MD & M Minneapolis Components Electronics Source Type: news