MEMS Applications in the Medical Industry
Introduction
The ability of MEMS devices to fit into very small spaces and to be
able to run with very low power consumption and at the same time
have a minimal impact on their operating environment makes them
ideal for certain medical sensing applications. These include
implantable medical devices and systems, such as totally
implantable hearing aids, an instrumented artificial heart, etc.
Important Characteristics
MEMS devices in the medical field are primarily sensors and
actuators located in close proximity to a body organ, to monitor
its performance, and when necessary, to initiate some remedial
action. In such an application, response times are critical.
Such sensors include:
- Heart-rate sensors which monitor the contraction and
expansion of the heart muscles.
- Hearing aids implanted in the inner ear to amplify
particular frequencies which the individual has difficulty in
hearing.
- Actuators in the heart valves which induce contraction or
expansion, as required.
- DPT - Disposable Blood pressure Transducer
- IUP - Intrauterine pressure sensors (monitor pressure
during child delivery)
- DNA testing sensors
- Angioplasty pressure Sensors
- Infusion pump pressure sensors - controls flow of
intraveneous fluids and permits drugs to be mixed into one
flow channel
- Catheter tip pressure sensors
- Sphygmomanometers
- Respirators
- Lung Capcity Meters
- Barametric correction of instrumentation
- Intracranial pressure measurement sensors
- Medical process monitoring
- Kidney dialysis equipment