Microsystems in medicine - results of an international survey

The utilization of microsystems technology (MST) in medical applications is instrumental in opening up new market segments, in the creation of novel, more effective diagnosis and therapy options in medicine, as well as in the further development of MST. However, the players in the healthcare industry are faced with technical and non-technical difficulties. The present study analyzes this emerging field from the viewpoint of medicine, market, and MST. It identifies applications of medical devices with microsystems components and analyzes their potentials in great detail. Thus, especially the creation of new market segments is expected from a broad use of MST in medicine. Furthermore, problems and conditions during the entry of microsystems into medical products are illuminated, in particular considering the specific market features of the healthcare industry. The high expenditure necessary for establishing this technology in healthcare industry is the most significant obstacle, since this market is dominated by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). But there are non-technical difficulties as well. This article presents selected results of the study, which was carried out in the scope of the EU project netMED (virtual institute on micromechatronics for biomedical industry).