12:00PM –12:25PM

Abstract:
Although the demand for reliability and safety has always been at the forefront in medical device design, the challenges of minimally invasive and micro/nano devices require new and different packaging solutions. Implantable devices often incorporate microelectronic components and systems intended to either sense or facilitate a physiological response. Many devices used for diagnoses or analyses are in intimate contact with body tissue or fluids, and must not be the source of undesired effects on the human body. Conversely, it is imperative that these devices themselves be resistant to corrosive body fluids and tissue. Implantable devices require isolation from moisture, chemicals, electric potentials and various substances. It may also be useful to immobilize microscopic particles found in the materials of which the device itself is fabricated, or to enhance surface lubricity.

The polymer poly(para-xylylene), Parylene, addresses these issues. Parylene is the generic name for members of a unique polymer family. The Parylenes are formed at room temperature on substrate surfaces using vapor deposition polymerization (VDP). They are polycrystalline and linear in nature, and possess highly useful dielectric and barrier properties per unit thickness and eminently biocompatible. They are also chemically inert and form ultra-thin layer coatings without pinholes.

We will discuss:

• Demand for reliability and safety
• Challenges of minimally invasive and micro- nano devices
• Implantable devices with microelectronics
• Device isolation from moisture, chemicals, electric potentials and various substances
• Immobilization of microscopic particles
• The polymer poly(para-xylylene), Parylene response to these issues
• Vapor deposition polymerization (VDP)
• Dielectric, barrier, chemical and biocompatibility properties

Intended audience: Design Engineers, R&D Engineers, Quality Engineers, Regulatory Affairs Directors, Manufacturing Engineers

About the speaker:
Lonny L. Wolgemuth, Sr. Medical Market Specialist

Wolgemuth has been active in the medical device industry for over 35 years, with experience ranging from in-hospital clinical engineering to product management, market management and national technical support management for international medical device manufacturers in patient monitoring, wound care and patient temperature management. He has been active in technical medical device standards writing committees for patient temperature management devices, and has testified before FDA device classification panels (tcPO2 monitoring devices). Wolgemuth obtained his Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree at Purdue University in Indiana, and holds a Master in Business Administration degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo, New York.