MEMS technology for healthcare applications

According to the company, healthcare applications account for approximately 15 per cent of the total value of the MEMS market, and it is expected that the figure will rise to 25 per cent by the year 2015.

The growing demand in the healthcare sector is being driven by ageing populations and continuously increasing healthcare costs.

To minimise healthcare costs, more investments are being allocated to applications such as remote monitoring and treatments and diagnostics utilising electronic devices.

Sensor technology in healthcare applications enables improved care and a better quality of life for patients, added VTI.

Sensors are intended to increase the intelligence of life-supporting transplants and they can be used in new types of patient monitoring applications that allow patients to lead more independent lives.

Detecting signals triggered by symptoms helps to optimise medication and prevent serious attacks of illness.

VTI's solutions are based on the proprietary 3D MEMS technology, which is claimed to enhance healthcare devices in several ways.

For pacemakers, for example, accuracy, low power and reliability are the key parameters; more accurate activity monitoring means the patient's heart rate can be adjusted to precisely match his or her needs.

The company's MEMS design, which combines single crystal silicon and glass, ensures reliability, accuracy and stability over time.

The power requirements of these sensors are very low, which makes them suitable for small, battery-operated devices.

VTI's 3D MEMS technology enables the design of small sensors and batteries, thus meeting the miniaturisation requirements of manufacturers of implantable devices.

Pacemakers are not the only healthcare application for VTI sensors; the company also offers a range of pressure sensors for healthcare applications.

Device developers and manufacturers of many existing and emerging healthcare applications have been able to reach their power and size requirements thanks to VTI pressure sensor dies.

VTI designs and supplies customised products for medical device manufacturers with zero field returns.

The entire supply chain - from design and manufacturing to testing and packaging - takes place at the company's own factory in Finland.

VTI will exhibit at Sensor and Test 2011 in Nurenberg, Germany, on 7-9 June 2011.

The company will be found in Booth 12-261.