Joachim Schäfer, managing director of Messe Düsseldorf offered an early glimpse at Compamed 2017 recently. Here’s five things we think you can expect from the show this year.
1 – Diagnosis at the point-of-care
Analytical procedures that reduce costs and avoid complicated laboratory diagnostics are on the rise. The equipment used in diagnostics and treatment must function reliably and automatically for the benefits to be fully exploited. Samples must be taken for analysis in precisely defined quantities and then processed and tested. Drugs must be adapted and dosed according to the individual disease patterns presented by each patient. Microfluidic systems play an important role in this. The development of tiny components and parts to this end has turned out to be highly complex but the sector is demonstrating significant progress - for example in the field of ‘lab-on-a-chip’ technology.
An increasing number of illnesses which, just a few years ago, could only be diagnosed with the aid of complex laboratory analyses can now can be detected with the help of credit card-sized mini laboratories – Schäfer anticipates that this technology will be a big feature at this year’s event.
2 – Wearables
It won’t come as a surprise to many to read that wearables – a market that is now earning billions worldwide – will have an even bigger presence at Compamed (and indeed, at Medica) in 2017.
While the majority of the market share goes to consumer devices and fitness trackers, microcomputers for medical applications (i.e. for monitoring vital signs or implant function) are also developing at breakneck speed, says Schäfer. Be it wireless modules for sharing data, the most delicate sensors and servos, or powerful energy supplies that fit into the smallest spaces – all of this cutting edge will be on show at Compamed.
3 – Foam party!
Materials are always a big theme at Compamed, and 2017 is no different, says Schäfer. In particular, innovations in foam technology are set to grab the spotlight. New varieties (based on polyurethane) are marking new milestones in wound care. They show a high capacity for fluid retention and fluid containment and are thus excellently suited for use in modern wound dressings. When dressings are changed, the foam can be removed from the wound easily and without causing pain.
4 – Get your coat on…
…and not just because Düsseldorf can be pretty chilly in November. When it comes to coatings, the experts know that even a few micrometers can effect significant change and improvement in the functional characteristics of a medical product. This is especially relevant to applications like catheters or stents. On the one hand, this depends on biocompatibility, but ensuring minimal friction is also important.
5 – Small stuff
The High-Tech Forum (Hall 8a) will focus on microsystem technology, nanotechnology and production technology and process control. Speakers will look at smart sensors, printed electronics, microfluidics and innovative laser and photonics applications.
Meanwhile over at the Suppliers Forum, talks will look at digitalisation (mobile health, medical apps, medical industry 4.0), wearables, 3D printing and regulations.
