Medical Design Briefs - April 2023 - 13

However, this type of assembly is not a
standard or off-the-shelf product. In designing
a lead cable assembly like the one
detailed above, medical device manufacturers
should work with a highly qualified
partner that is able to understand the
needs of the complete device and customize
a solution based on its unique needs.
The partner should be able to integrate
various components, including coaxial
cables, insulated wires, optical fibers, fluid
lines, connectors, and other mechanical
features, into a single package.
Micro-Coaxial Cables. Micro-coaxial
assemblies offer small-sized, low-loss coaxial
cables that can be integrated into
hybrid cable assemblies within the
handpiece to deliver power or signals.
These are usually flexible or semi-rigid
cable
assemblies
packaged
into
the
handheld ablation device, 047-sized or
smaller. This low-loss cable assembly
maximizes power transmission efficiency
with the small diameter essential for
minimally invasive procedures. Furthermore,
they are ultra-flexible for easy
maneuvering and waterproofed to withstand
high fluid pressure in catheter
assemblies with integrated cooling. Examples
of micro-coaxial cables used in
high-performance RF ablation applications
include the PhaseTrack®-047, SF047,
and InstaBend®-047 cables from
Times Microwave Systems.
Takeaways
RF and microwave ablation systems
present unique equipment challenges,
demanding interconnect solutions that
are very specialized. Therefore, one crucial
guideline is to think of the entire
interconnect system holistically in the
earliest development and design stages.
This can help avoid an unanticipated redesign,
which can, in turn, impact regulatory
approval and time to market.
As many next-generation electrosurgical
systems enter development, the right
interconnect components can differentiate
between a marketing-leading solution
and an average product.
The best results will be achieved by
working with a solution partner with dedicated
expertise in RF/coaxial cable technologies
that can thoroughly understand
the system. In addition, the supplier
should have in-depth knowledge of RF
technologies beyond coaxial cables and
connectors; manufacturers should also
take the time to learn about the host system
and integration. For example, the requirements
for thermal management,
power delivery, and signal integrity may
necessitate creating a hybrid cable assembly
solution to address multiple needs.
Choose a supplier offering a broad
range of products created from experience
in performance-critical industries
such as medical, military electronics,
aerospace, space, and other rugged environments,
and can design custom
solutions for a specific application. The
manufacturer's expertise and design capabilities
will allow your system to be developed
for optimal performance.
This article was written by Kai Loh,
Applications Engineer for Times Microwave
Systems, Wallingford, CT. For
more information, contact salesinquiry @
timesmicro.com or visit https://
timesmicrowave.com.
Medical Design Briefs, April 2023
www.medicaldesignbriefs.com
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Medical Design Briefs - April 2023

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