Addressing Challenges of Medical Electronics

Progress in electronic technology has made it possible to create increasingly safe, compact medical devices with the lowest degree of invasiveness, but there are still challenges that include meeting strict safety standards, providing wireless connectivity, and operating with highly constricted power budgets. An electromedical device is defined as an electronic device with a part that can be applied directly to the subject or used to transfer energy to or from the patient. Applications include diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of the patient’s health conditions, but also alleviating or even eliminating pain. Safety, both for the patient and healthcare professionals, is the first requirement that an electromedical device must comply with. The IEC 60601 family of standards sets the requirements for safety, performance and electromagnetic compatibility of electromedical equipment. Compliance with IEC 60601 standards can only be achieved through careful evaluation of all phases of the product development cycle, starting from the selection of the components.