Credit: Alexandre Debiève Many medical devices combine the power of electrical and mechanical technology into life-saving products. In this article, we look at electromechanical engineering technology, how it pertains to medical devices, and the promising future of electromechanics in the field of medicine.
Credit: Natanael Melchor
What Are Electromechanical Devices?
Though it sounds complicated, you don’t need to be an electromechanical technician to understand the science. Simply put, an electromechanical (EM) device refers to any apparatus that combines mechanical and electrical processes. EM devices work in one of two ways:- By transducing electrical energy into mechanical energy (like an electric motor).
- By converting mechanical energy into electrical energy (like a generator).
Electromechanical Technology for Medical Devices
The term “medical device” encompasses a range of products and technologies. Bedpans and bandages are no less considered medical devices than their electric and electronic counterparts. So, how do we categorically differentiate between these types? The American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) assigns each medical device to one of three regulatory categories.-
Class I
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Class II
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Class III
How It Works: Ventricular Assist Devices (VAD)
A ventricular assist device (VAD) is an electro mechanical medical device. A pump is surgically attached to the apex of the heart, where a motor pushes blood from one, or both, of the heart’s damaged ventricles to the rest of the body. A VAD has three primary use cases:- It can act as a bridge between a failing heart and a transplant surgery.
- It can be used as destination therapy; that is, a long-term treatment option for those who don’t qualify for a transplant.
- It can be used as a bridge to recovery in more mild cases of heart failure.