Cretex Medical’s Advanced Instrument Capabilities Featured in Orthopedic Design & Technology (ODT) Magazine

Highlights From the Article

Korey's answers covered a variety of topics, including:

Technology Investments

Manufacturing complex surgical instruments with challenging geometries and tight tolerances often requires MDMs and CMs to adapt/upgrade their production and quality processes. “That is why Cretex Medical is investing in multi-tasking machines that allow for simultaneous milling, turning, and even grinding within the same machine tool,” said Lieser. “This ensures speed, precision, and repeatability. To further improve our quality process, we use computed tomography [CT] inspection technology. Non-destructive testing allows us to inspect intricate components more accurately than ever before.”

The Importance of DFM

Squeezed by time and resource constraints, MDMs also look to drive down costs by finding efficiencies elsewhere in their supply chains. For example, experienced CMs that can simplify the engineering process to find creative and cost-effective solutions are in high demand. This is where design for manufacturability (DFM) especially comes into play. “Our engineering team partners with customers to understand their needs and goals so we can advise them on the best materials and methods to build their components and devices as efficiently as possible,” said Lieser. “DFM principles enable us to reduce costs and meet deadlines without sacrificing commitment to quality.”

The Future of Surgical Instruments

As greater volumes of operational data are gathered and analyzed from a wide range of implant types, designs for next-generation implants (and their required tools and surgical instruments) will also evolve. In the implant market, AI algorithms are being used to monitor real-time patient data and adjust functions as needed. For example, AI-enhanced cardiac implants can detect arrhythmias and adapt pacing patterns to optimize heart function. Similarly, neural implants used in deep brain stimulation can learn from a patient’s response and fine-tune stimulation parameters, minimizing side effects while maximizing therapeutic benefits. “As implants become safer and more adaptive, we expect to see growth in the type and volume of interventional procedures, which will likely drive increased demand for specialized instruments,” said Lieser.

You can read the full article in ODT Magazine.

Please visit the Cretex Medical Machining Page for more information about our surgical instrument capabilities.

This article originally appeared in ODT Magazine.

Mark Crawford is a full-time freelance business and marketing/communications writer based in Corrales, N.M. His clients range from startups to global manufacturing leaders. He has written for MPO and ODT magazines for more than 15 years and is the author of five books.