Healthcare has embraced miniaturization for a variety of reasons. Smaller devices and instruments mean tiny incisions during surgical procedures, aiding in quicker recoveries. Wearable technologies are made portable and discreet by being fabricated at a size to accommodate these needs. Medtech used within the body or implanted needs to be of an appropriate size to fit in small areas.

Unfortunately, developing such solutions isn’t a simple matter. Components cannot be reduced to a smaller size using the same manufacturing techniques, materials, and processes as their larger counterparts. Medtech OEMs seeking to design devices that are shrinking in size must have the appropriate expertise in-house or work with partners with the required experience.

Fortunately, one such expert from Elevaris Medical Devices provided insights on critical considerations before embarking on this type of development project. In the following Q&A, Valor Thomas, Director of Business Development, spoke on a number of factors that should be determined prior to beginning a micro-component design.

Sean Fenske: Many say medical devices are getting smaller, but can you speak to the drivers of this trend?

Valor Thomas: Miniaturization in medical devices reflects a combination of key industry drivers—including the shift toward minimally invasive and robotic