The Role of PCB Assembly in the Medical Industry

Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are vital in healthcare and medicine. As the industry continues to innovate to provide the best technology for patients and their caregivers, more and more research, treatment, and diagnostic strategies have moved toward automation. As a result, more work involving PCB assembly will be required to improve medical devices in the industry.

As the population ages, the importance of PCB assembly in the medical industry will continue to grow. Today, PCBs play a vital role in medical imaging units such as MRIs, as well as cardiac monitoring devices such as pacemakers. Even body temperature monitoring devices and responsive neurostimulators implement state-of-the-art PCB technology and components. Here, we will discuss the role of PCB assembly in the medical industry.

Electronic Health Records

In the past, electronic health records were poorly integrated, with many lacking any form of connectivity. Instead, each system was a separate system that handled orders, documents, and other tasks in a segregated manner. Over time, these systems have been integrated to form a more holistic picture, which allows the medical industry to speed up patient care while also greatly improving efficiency.

Great strides have been made in consolidating patient information. However, the potential for further development is almost limitless as the future will usher in a new era of data-driven healthcare. That is, electronic health records will be used as a modern tool that allows the healthcare industry to collect relevant data about the population; allowing it to permanently improve the success rate and outcomes of medical care.

Mobile Health

Thanks to advances in PCB assembly, traditional wires and cords are quickly becoming a thing of the past. In the past, wires and cords were often plugged and unplugged using traditional electrical outlets, but modern medical innovations have enabled doctors to care for patients at any time and from almost anywhere in the world.

In fact, the mobile health market is estimated to be worth more than $20 billion this year alone, with smartphones, iPads, and other such devices making it easy for healthcare providers to receive and transmit important medical information as needed. Thanks to advances in mobile health, documentation, ordering equipment and medications, and researching certain symptoms or conditions can all be completed with just a few clicks of the mouse to better help patients.

Medical Devices That Can Be Wearable

The market for medical devices that can be worn by patients is growing at a rate of more than 16% per year. In addition, medical devices are becoming smaller, lighter, and easier to wear without compromising on accuracy or durability. Many of these devices use in-line motion sensors to compile relevant data, which is then forwarded to the appropriate healthcare professionals.

For example, if a patient falls and injures themselves, some medical devices will immediately notify the appropriate authorities, and also allow for two-way voice communication so that the patient can respond even if they are conscious. Some medical devices on the market are so sophisticated that they can even detect when a patient’s wound becomes infected.

As the population rapidly grows and ages, mobility and access to appropriate medical facilities and personnel will become more pressing issues; therefore, mobile healthcare must continue to evolve to accommodate the needs of patients and seniors.

Implantable Medical Devices

When it comes to implantable medical devices, the use of PCB assembly becomes more complex, as there is no uniform standard that all PCB assemblies adhere to. That is, different implants will achieve different goals for different medical conditions, and the unstable nature of implants can also affect PCB design and manufacturing. Regardless, careful design of the PCB can allow deaf people to hear through cochlear implants. Some for the first time in their lives.

More importantly, those with advanced cardiovascular disease can benefit from implanted defibrillators, as they may be more susceptible to sudden and unexpected cardiac arrest, which can occur anywhere or be caused by trauma.

Interestingly, those with epilepsy can benefit from a device called a responsive neurostimulator (RNS). RNS are implanted directly into the patient’s brain and can help patients who do not respond well to conventional seizure reduction medications. The RNS delivers an electric shock when it detects any abnormal brain activity and monitors the patient’s brain activity 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Wireless Communications

Unbeknownst to some, instant messaging apps and intercoms have only been used in many hospitals for a short time. In the past, overhead PA systems, buzzers, and pagers were considered the norm for inter-office communications. Some experts blame security concerns and HIPAA issues for the relatively slow adoption of instant messaging apps and intercoms in the healthcare industry.

However, medical professionals now have access to a variety of systems that use clinical-based systems, web applications, and smart devices to transmit lab tests, messages, security alerts, and other information to relevant parties.