This upcoming October, Machine Design and Electronic Design will be hosting the 2nd Medical Device Technology Exchange (MDTX) in San Diego. The MDTX conference will bring together experts on medical devices and the medical engineering industry together to highlight the new technological innovations changing the industry. Our profile series will highlight our expert speakers that will be at MDTX. For more information on attending the event, visit the MDTX site.
Ian Maclean is our speaker from Koven Technology, and his session will highlight how to design with special electrical considerations in your medical device.
Who are you and what is your background in engineering and in the medical device industry?
My name is Ian Maclean. I have been a registered professional engineer for 12 years. I have been working in the medical device industry for 14 years with a cardiovascular diagnostics company called Koven Technology.
What is your conference topic and why is it important for the medical device industry?
The conference workshop title is “Medical Electrical Equipment - Device Design Considerations.” The workshop emphasis will be on Design Input Specification (DIS) creation, and this topic is important for the medical device industry because creating a Design Input Specification is the foundational component required to evaluate your future design concepts. Preparing a robust and complete DIS sets you up well for the following steps on the commercialization path and allows you to communicate effectively with your team.
What is the biggest issue when designing a medical device?
Have the confidence that you are making the right product at the right time.
What new technology, in your opinion, will change medical devices forever?
I have a feeling it will have to do with POC diagnostics—in the home care setting. I don’t imagine my children as adults reaching for a thermometer as their “go-to” diagnostic device when feeling unwell.
What’s the most important thing you can impart to the readers—a teaser, if you will—for what they can expect to hear during your session at the MDTX event?
You will create a real product specification in just over an hour. Apply what you learn immediately to your next project or review your current project DIS for thoroughness.
Anything else you would like to add about this topic or yourself that readers would be interested to hear?
I am passionate about medical device innovation and hope to meet some like-minded individuals!
