Modern piezo technology makes it possible to integrate important functions into a compact system. The applications range from dosing and control of respiratory gases for pneumatic automation solutions to demanding tasks in eye surgeries.
Usually most people do not concern themselves with breathing until they have a respiratory problem. The spectrum is wide, ranging from coughing and bronchitis to chronic respiratory diseases. When independent breathing is no longer able to cover the body’s oxygen demand, patients are treated with inpatient or wearable respiratory devices for oxygen therapy. Anesthesia also relies on high-performance and reliable medical technology devices for continuous ventilation. Pneumatic automation components in such devices take over the vital functions. Proportional control valves equipped with piezo technology, such as those made by Festo AG in Esslingen, Germany, dispense and regulate the gas flow using integrated functional solutions with high precision, while saving installation space and reducing the weight of the device.
Designed for various uses, these small valves were developed in the Medical Technology/Laboratory Automation department. This department develops reliable functional solutions for medical products based on the know-how that has been acquired from research and development in the area of pneumatic automation technology.
This knowledge can be used to adapt the valves to the requirements of a wide range of applications. For applications in the operating room, the solutions not only allow for automation of respiratory activity, they also mix the required respiratory air consisting of oxygen, air, and anesthetic gases.
Functional solutions using piezo valve technology optimize the sophisticated processes in eye surgery as well. Different fluids and gases have to be moved safely during surgical eye treatments. Proportional valves and piezo valves, such as VEMR to control flow or VEMC to regulate pressure, and integrated sensors regulate the precise movement of the replacement solution for the vitreous humor, facilitate vacuum-supported removal of microparticles, and operate various surgical instruments.
Since installation space is usually very limited in medical technology, the experts in Esslingen developed multifunctional system units that do not need much tubing thanks to their compact design. Since the sensor outputs and pneumatic outputs are intelligently designed, connection-ready pneumatic control units are built very small.
With their low energy consumption, noiseless operation, lack of heat development, small and light-weight construction, and long service life, piezo valves are ideally suited for applications in medical technology. Since they are non-magnetic, they do not affect any other medical technology devices. op
Additional information About the automation experts: www.festo.com/medtech At the Compamed trade fair: Hall 08b, P02 At the Medica trade fair: Hall 03, D95
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