Medical Design Briefs - November 2022 - 4

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For medical devices that require cooling or surgical instruments requiring irrigation, pumps
are one of the more significant medical device components, and pump selection is paramount
to operational success. Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Solutions (WMFTS) specializes in fluid
management, offering over 60 years' experience in high-quality components for medical devices.
MDB spoke to Rodd Turnquist, National Sales Manager US, OEM Division, WMFTS, to find out more
about selecting the best pumps for medical devices and accelerating time to market.
MDB: What medical device products use peristaltic pumps?
Rodd Turnquist: Peristaltic pumps are
used for a variety of medical equipment
applications, such as cooling the catheter
tip when performing cardiac ablation.
With a stable flow, these pumps
allow for precise temperature control
to prevent scarring. These pumps are
also used for organ transport, diagnostic
test equipment, and precise dosing
equipment use in hospital pharmacies.
Many Watson-Marlow pumps are used in irrigations applications
for endoscopic and orthopedic surgical equipment.
MDB: Why are peristaltic pumps the best choice for medical
devices?
Turnquist: Peristaltic pumps have several operational advantages
for surgical devices over traditional positive displacement
pump designs. Fluid is fully contained within the tube, allowing
straightforward setup with single-use, presterilized tubing that
gives total hygiene and guaranteed integrity, removing risk of
cross contamination - essential in a sterile environment.
MDB: What are the advantages of a peristaltic pump?
Turnquist: The media never leaves the tubing - no carry over
or cross contamination, and no need to clean the pump between
procedures. Peristaltic pumps are also self-priming, can run dry,
and are reversible. They also have a low cost of operation and
maintenance: replacing the tubing is all that is needed.
MDB: What should OEMs look for when selecting pumps or
other products?
Turnquist: Designs, features, and performance that will add
value to the product, like intuitive, foolproof tube loading that
is easy for the operator to perform, and high-pressure designs
capable of up to 130 psi. OEMs should look for good aesthetic
designs that look the part and give confidence to operators and
patients. OEMs should also look for a pump manufacturer with
wide range of standard products: Standard products are generally
less expensive and have shorter lead times.
MDB: When is customization needed?
Turnquist: Medical device OEMs often need some level of
customization beyond the standard off-the-shelf products.
WMFTS has development services in place to assist custom4
ers
in optimizing the functionality and performance of their
overall system. Customization plays an important role to
optimize functionality, and our engineers are uniquely placed
to adapt each pump's design. This includes compatibility with
custom tubing types and sizes, integration into the device,
triboelectric effect reduction, and branding. We start with the
rapid delivery of samples from our wide range of standard
products. Over the arc of a project, we can create a complete
pump, motor, and drive subassembly that is tested and ready
to install. Our team will support development efforts from prototyping
through to production and will be there throughout
manufacturing.
MDB: What do medical device engineers need to have to be
able select and integrate products into a design?
Turnquist: Engineers need to have product data sheets and 3D
drawings readily available. An engineer should also expect to
have full engineering design support from a supplier. Standard
products may require too much of a compromise in the design
goals of the medical device. It is important to have a supplier
that has the willingness and staff to help with design selection
and optimization and do it with medical device standards in
mind.
MDB: What is the advantage of working with a pump specialist
throughout the design process?
Turnquist: All product needs are considered from the start:
performance, functionality, size, ease of incorporation, and
final appearance. This helps accelerate the process, increasing
potential ROI. It also means engineers are on hand to support
product testing, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance.
MDB: Beyond the products, what should an OEM look for in
a component supplier?
Turnquist: A supplier that is proven in the industry: The supplier
should be used on multiple medical devices that have been
on the market for 10 years or more. When pursuing a 510(k), is it
important to be able to point to existing similar products on the
market to shorten the FDA approval process. An OEM should
also expect a supplier with strong quality systems: The supplier
should have at minimum ISO 9001 or ISO 13485. Meeting these
standards demonstrates that the supplier has their quality system
in control and can meet industry requirements for quality,
design change control, and CAPA.
To find out more about Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology
Solutions, visit www.wmfts.com.
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Medical Design Briefs, November 2022

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Medical Design Briefs - November 2022

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