IVAM stand at Compamed shows trends in micro and nanotechnology

For years, Messe Düsseldorf and the IVAM Microtechnology Network have jointly organised the Compamed Innovation Forum in early summer, providing a thematic outlook on the upcoming Compamed in Düsseldorf. This year, the Compamed Innovation Forum 2022, which was held virtually, was entitled „Innovative technologies for neurological applications“.

Medical technology improves quality of life in CNS diseases

According to WHO estimates, one billion patients worldwide suffer from diseases of the central nervous system (CNS), such as depression, dementia, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease or the consequences of a stroke.

Medical technology can improve the quality of life of those affected. An important field of research in the Clinical Neurotechnology working group at Charité Berlin is the use of brain-computer interfaces and their combination with non-invasive brain stimulation methods.

Cortec GmbH, Freiburg, has also developed and presented a platform technology for a brain interchange system in neurotherapy together with clinical partners. The focus is on components and devices that are equally suitable for industry, researchers and clinical players. The BIC comprises all components required for the electrical connection of the neuronal system with external information technologies. The exchange of information is realised in order to modulate the nervous system.

Another company that presented its innovations at the Compamed Spring Forum and is now showcasing them at Compamed is Statice SAS from Besançon. The contract developer and manufacturer offers solutions for neurology. In the case of spinal cord injuries at or above the C8 cervical vertebrae, there is a high risk that the patient in question will no longer be able to use their arms and hands. The French company's approach is that mobility can be restored in such cases by reading thoughts and linking them to an exoskeleton. Long-term implants, which are placed on the dura and record brain activity, play a decisive role.

Materials for implants and neurostimulation

Highly specialised devices and systems in medical technology require increasingly functionalised materials. One supplier of such solutions is Sandvik. The Swedish company from Sandviken provides materials for the cardiovascular, neurostimulation, remote monitoring and electronics sectors through its Medical business unit. For example, Sandvik manufactures coated precious metal fine wires for the electrode arrangement, cable and coil configurations for signal transmission and ball electrodes for brain implants. Deep brain stimulation is also one of the areas of work that will be on show at the trade fair. (su)

Source: medicine&technology from 8 November 2022