Online Exclusive

The importance of choosing the right material when developing medical devices will be the focus of a keynote address delivered by Dr Xiang Zhang during the virtual event “Developments in Materials for Medical Applications” on 24 May 2011. The event is organised by EMDT, MD+DI and Qmed. Zhang is Principal Consultant and Head of the Division of Medical Materials and Devices at CERAM. He is currently working on a number of projects in CRT, bioceramics, orthopaedic materials, PEEK and toughened ceramics.

Medical device companies are often unaware of the hidden factors of materials that can cause product failures, according to Zhang. The reason for this is that materials are complex living matter and change behaviour according to their properties and intended use. Materials science is a combination of several scientific disciplines including chemistry, physics, engineering and various technologies. According to Zhang, material issues should be addressed before design control, but are rarely given enough attention until the clinical trials stage.

Zhang will discuss how choosing the appropriate material is key to developing medical devices that work and perform optimally, using examples of past failures and successes in areas such as hip implants and coronary stents. He will also explain how choosing a material without understanding all of the issues involved can lead to medical accidents and product failures.

The virtual event will take place on 24 May 2011, from 11:00–19:00 (London), 12:00-20:00 (Paris) and 6:00 A.M. –2:00 P.M. (New York). The virtual conference and tradeshow offers attendees the opportunity to learn from and interact directly with industry experts and technology providers of materials and related products and services. To register, visit the Developments in Materials for Medical Applications registration page.