MEDICAL: SENSORS
personalised treatment. Researchers at Stanford University have even developed a smart bandage that applies electrical stimulation in response to specific conditions detected in the wound, to accelerate healing. Smart sensors are also advancing surgical capabilities, with robotic systems already present in some operating rooms. The da Vinci surgical systems are some of the most widely used, with over 14 million surgical procedures completed. Robotic systems like these enhance precision and control in minimally invasive surgeries, leading to faster recovery times and a lower risk of complications. As sensor technology evolves, these systems are likely to become even more advanced, with features such as real-time tissue analysis, enhanced haptic feedback and potentially even autonomous capabilities. Hurdles in medical sensor design Despite their potential, developing smart sensors for medical technology presents several challenges that must be addressed to create high-performing, reliable devices. One of the primary challenges is the need for miniaturisation. Wearable and implantable devices must be both lightweight and compact while maintaining
convenience and compliance. This challenge is further compounded by the need for always-on functionality, requiring real-time data processing, which is power-intensive. Data processing itself poses challenges, as medical applications demand near-instanta- neous data collection and feedback and even the slightest latency can have catastrophic consequences for the user. Off-the-shelf integrated circuits (ICs) often struggle to meet these demands, as they are not designed with specialised capabilities such as rapid signal acquisition, high-speed data conversion or parallel processing. Built for a wide range of general-purpose uses, their inherent design trade-offs can introduce bottlenecks in performance, making them ill-suited for medical applications where every millisecond counts. The diversity of medical applications further complicates sensor design, as the required functionalities vary significantly across different devices. In the case of smart bandages in direct contact with open wounds, biocompatibility is crucial. This ensures the bandage can function in the moist, changing environment of a wound without degrading or releasing harmful substances over time. Meeting unique demands like this is challenging for standard ICs. Depending on the application, designing medical sensors could involve developing novel sensor materials and specialised signal processing techniques or enabling integration with other devices, such as Cloud-based systems, to ensure optimal functionality. For this reason, custom-designed sensors are often far more suitable than standard ICs for meeting the exacting standards of each application. Maximising potential with custom designs Custom components are vital for unlocking the full potential of medical sensors, enabling manufacturers to tailor solutions to specific challenges and create optimised,
high functionality. The challenge lies in fitting sophisticated sensing
components, such as signal processors and communication modules, into minute devices like smart bandages, pacemakers or cochlear implants. Additionally, dissipating heat is more challenging in smaller devices, requiring careful consideration of components and an efficient thermal management strategy to prevent dangerous overheating. Smart sensors also require significant processing power, which can quickly drain battery life. For wearables and mobile health applications, balancing performance and long battery life is critical for patient
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