In the heart of Timmersdala, a story of passion, growth and leadership features our Director of Operations Emeli Söderberg and her remarkable 20-year journey with Elos Medtech.
From Engineer to Director of Operations: A Journey of Growth
Emeli’s career at Elos Medtech began in 2003 when she joined the team as a quality engineer. With a solid foundation in engineering and a passion for making a difference, Emeli’s journey through the ranks from quality manager to production manager, and now as the site leader of the Timmersdala plant, is nothing short of remarkable. Her progression mirrors Elos Medtech’s values – continuous growth, learning, and adaptation. The Timmersdala site, being the first site of Elos Medtech, has seen significant expansions and innovations under her leadership, including the acquisitions of sites in Memphis, Gørløse, China, and Klingel.
A Leadership Style That Illuminates
Emeli’s leadership philosophy is deeply rooted in collaboration, trust, and respect. She thrives on helping others shine, whether they are colleagues, family members, or friends. Her approach to leadership is inclusive, fostering a culture where diversity and difference are celebrated as strengths. Emeli’s result-oriented mindset, coupled with her ability to see opportunities before obstacles, propels her team towards achieving their goals, always with clarity and a shared sense of purpose.
Passion for Science and Technology
Despite early dreams of becoming a pilot or a doctor, Emeli found her calling in the tech industry, particularly in the field of medical devices. Her enthusiasm for learning, coupled with the rapid pace of technological advancement in the industry, fuels her daily. Emeli’s dedication to sustainable development and her hands-on involvement in production processes exemplify her commitment to not just leading but actively participating in the company’s success.
Inspiration for Young Women in Tech
Emeli’s story is particularly inspiring for young women aspiring to careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Her journey underscores the importance of role models and mentors in shaping careers. Through close cooperation with other members and engagement initiatives, Elos Medtech actively works towards breaking down gender barriers in the tech world, proving that the industry is not only welcoming but ripe with opportunities for those passionate about making a difference.
Words of Wisdom: Embrace the Opportunities
Emeli’s advice to aspiring scientists and engineers is clear and compelling: seize the opportunities. The path may be challenging, but it is the challenges that foster growth and learning!
A Peek Behind the Curtains
Beyond her impactful role at Elos Medtech, Emeli Söderberg cherishes a life filled with outdoor adventures and quality family time in Skövde. A fervent enthusiast of sports, particularly those that allow her to bask in the great outdoors, Emeli finds running to be an essential part of her routine, offering both physical vigor and mental clarity. This passion for activity extends to spending cherished moments with her husband and two children, where the simplicity of family life provides a grounding balance to her dynamic career.
Do you need a partner for manufacturing medical devices? Medical device manufacturing is a complex process that requires a high degree of precision and quality control. Choosing the right partner is critical to the success of your products. Here are 7 questions to ask a potential partner to ensure efficient medical device manufacturing and a beneficial partnership.
1. What is your potential partner’s view on partnership?
The first thing to ask a potential partner is how they view partnership. While contract manufacturers (CMOs) provide manufacturing services, there are also full-service CDMOs. Those can guide you from concept, design, and development through regulatory, prototyping, testing, and validation to manufacturing and delivery.
Does your potential partner view their role in the partnership as a tactical provider with the manufacturing capacity needed to complete a project?
Or are they a strategic partner with expertise also in design and development?
Can they take responsibility for all steps throughout the entire process from design to delivery, if needed?
2. What capacity and equipment does your potential partner have?
Next, ask about your potential partner’s equipment and facilities. Today’s medical devices are complex and often require special manufacturing equipment, automated processes, and controlled environments to meet today’s strict regulations for quality and safety.
Does your potential partner have the manufacturing capacity that you need?
Are they prepared to invest in increased capacity as your business grows?
Can they offer automated processes and spaces such as cleanroom production and testing laboratories?
3. What capabilities does the medical device manufacturer have?
It is very important that your partner’s capabilities align with your needs. You might have to increase manufacturing capability, scale production volumes, or add new medical devices or components to your production. Perhaps, you want your partner to be able to bring new products to market without you having to take the expense of ownership.
Does your potential partner have the capabilities required in R&D, design, engineering, manufacturing, assembly, quality control, and testing?
Do they have the resources to invest in production equipment and other things?
Can they scale up production in a controlled manner and according to your plan?
4. What level of specialization can your potential partner provide?
Today’s medical devices often have complex geometries that require optimized design for manufacturing, advanced surface treatments, and high cleanliness. The dedicated expertise, knowledge, and specialization you can find in a full-service CDMO are often extremely valuable to medical device companies and OEMs.
Does your potential partner understand your medical technologies and have the technical expertise required?
Can they provide qualified engineers, experts, and professionals specialized in specific development and manufacturing processes?
Can they give you insights and create innovations to launch a successful product?
5. Can you rely on your medical device manufacturer for quality?
Quality control is crucial in medical device manufacturing as government agencies regulate products, and the manufacturing process must meet strict quality standards. Also, regulations evolve and become more complex. As an OEM, you want a partner with a robust quality management system in place and patient safety in focus.
Can your potential partner help you navigate the highly regulated framework required by authorities in different markets?
Can they provide you with extensive knowledge about regulatory requirements?
Do they use validated production processes and advanced verification?
6. Can your potential partner bring your products fast to market?
Bringing new medical devices to market is a complex process. It requires careful planning and attention to detail to ensure safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance. As an OEM, you need a competent and skilled partner that pays attention to details.
Does your potential partner have insights into the market segments you target?
Can they provide you with the skilled and experienced professionals you need to accelerate time to market and avoid unnecessary costs?
Can they take your product to market quickly, cost-effectively, and successfully?
7. Is your potential partner responsive, committed, and flexible?
As an OEM, you know that the medical device market is characterized by a rapidly changing healthcare environment. This demands a partner that is highly responsive, committed, and flexible – while at the same time delivering exceptional quality.
Does your potential partner understand your specific medical device market?
Will they adapt to your needs, make timely decisions, and take necessary action to move your business forward?
Can they solve complex problems and deliver quality that is second to none?
Elos Medtech – from innovative vision to manufacturing precision – your reliable CDMO
I hope this article gave you some help and insights into what questions to ask a potential partner for medical device manufacturing. Elos Medtech has worked with many OEMs, transforming medical technology and advancing quality of life worldwide since 1923. In fact, this year, we celebrate 100 years in the business!
Are you looking for a reliable CDMO and a strategic partner? Contact us today. We are happy to answer any questions that you might have! Together, we will find out if your needs align with our competencies.
Imagine comparing products, attending demonstrations, and discussing trends with over 30 000 professionals representing the world of orthopedics. That’s music to our ears! This year, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) is hosting their Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada, US.
Of course, Elos Medtech will be there. This year we celebrate 100 years in the industry
- come and celebrate with us in booth 6239!
With a global network of manufacturing facilities in Europe, Asia, and the US, we have the capacity and expertise to meet your manufacturing needs.
Specialized experts with global reach
Today’s Elos Medtech Orthopedics is the result of two trusted companies coming together to become the world’s most focused development and advanced manufacturing partner. You have a committed global orthopedic team that leverages worldwide and vertically integrated capabilities to serve you.
If it’s not 100% yes – it’s a no!
Elos Medtech Orthopedics has chosen to focus only on what we do better than anyone else. As your trusted innovation partner, when we say, “yes,” it’s because your needs intersect with our dedicated competencies, and we’re confident that we can give you a competitive edge – from design and prototyping through manufactured quality on a large scale, distributed globally.
Experienced partner in trauma, spine, and reconstruction
Your trusted expert for orthopedic manufacturing now celebrates 100 years of innovation and collaboration.
The success of Elos Medtech starts with our people, experts in their respective fields, who listen to your needs and systematically apply our knowledge to develop creative solutions that keep your business successful today and tomorrow. We value a close dialogue with our customers and partners as well as keeping up to date with news and trends in the world of orthopedics. Therefore, we can’t think of a better place to spend a couple of days than at the AAOS 2023 Annual Meeting.
Are you as passionate about orthopedics as we are? Great! Then come and see us in booth 6239 at AAOS in Las Vegas 8-10 Mars, 2023. Until then, visit our websitefor more information about our products and solutions within orthopedics.
The Chinese dental implant industry has shown strong growth in recent years, and the trend is expected to continue. As the Chinese population is experiencing increased upward mobility, more people can afford dental care, and the demand for restorative dental services is increasing. As a result, China has become a lucrative market for dental implant manufacturers.
A glance at the dental implant market in China
The Chinese dental implant market size is expected to grow and reach a valuation of nearly $680 million in 2027. The expected market increase is setting the stage for lucrative opportunities for dental implant manufacturers.
The proportion of dental implant procedures performed in private dental clinics is much greater than that of government-owned public hospitals in some regions. However, this split differs between Northern/Southern and Eastern/Western regions. On average, across China, the total number of dental implant procedures performed in private clinics versus public hospitals is almost fifty-fifty.
With an almost equal distribution of procedures taking place in clinics compared to hospitals, it would seem logical to deduce that clinics and hospitals are equally desirable for implant manufacturers to focus on. However, this is actually not the case.
Private dental clinics versus public hospitals
Public hospitals are a much more lucrative segment for implant manufacturers to target to substantially grow their business in China. Public hospitals are considered the most reliable and qualified treatment centers among patients and the prime segment for premium foreign brands today. Consumers have greater confidence in public hospitals, and the best dentists want to work for public hospitals – not private clinics.
More than 50% of dental implant sales today already target hospitals as their prime segment. This market is estimated to win an even greater market share from private clinics in the future. Furthermore, most dental implant companies are persistent enough to put in the effort to succeed in public hospitals due to their strong influence, academic status, and better gross profit margin.
Foreign versus domestic dental implant brands
It is also key to know that Chinese patients prefer foreign brands over Chinese brands. In fact, more than 90% of dental implants in China are provided by foreign brands today. Furthermore, Chinese consumers prefer American and European brands over all others as they are known to be market leaders in the dental industry with safe, high-quality performance.
The high trust in foreign brands means excellent opportunities for dental implant manufacturers in the Chinese market. However, as a foreign brand in China, you need to understand the regulatory challenges and new policies to compete.
Regulations for dental implants in China
The NMPA (National Medical Products Administration) has launched new medical device regulations that pose threats to foreign dental implant manufacturers.
In early 2021, a proposal was submitted to the National People’s Congress mentioning the high cost of dental implants for the first time at the national level. Later that year, a notification was issued by the Pharmaceutical Equipment & Procurement Service Center of Sichuan Province. It stated that information collection of high-value medical consumables in the dental category would take place. This included dental implants, repair abutments, prosthetic products, and other medical consumables that constitute dental implant systems.
In 2022, an executive meeting of the State Council was held to deploy and accelerate the major projects identified in the outline of the 14th Five-Year Plan, covering the years 2021-2025. At that time, it was announced that dental implant systems would be included in the program of volume-based procurement on a national level.
State order 739 is the approval for the new Regulations on the Supervision and Administration of Medical Devices, which is now publicized and took effect as of June 1, 2021, with an enforcement date of January 1, 2022.
Classification is key to the Chinese dental market
Although the official reasoning behind the new policy is a reduction in the cost of the medical burden on patients, Elos Medtech assesses that the policy will be much more detrimental to foreign dental implant brands sold in China than meets the eye. The new policy incentivizes the protection of domestic brands in China, the localization of dental products, and the development of China’s technical knowledge in the dental implant industry.
Our assessment of the new policy’s regulations is that it is becoming imperative to become classified as a domestic brand in China, acting as a Legal Manufacturer to be able to sell dental implant products in public hospitals in the future.
And in the most recent move, on August 18, 2022, the Chinese National Health Care Insurance Association solicited public comments on the Notice on Carrying Out Special Governance of Oral Implant Medical Service Charges and Consumables Prices. This notice regards the pre-stages of the procurement of implantology. It shows that the government is working swiftly to accelerate the implementation of its implantology plan. Notably, this notification relates to both public and private clinics.
Opportunities for dental implant manufacturers
It is vital to act quickly to avoid being left out of such an important market, and Elos Medtech can help. For more in-depth information and strategies to help ensure your brand’s success in China, visit Elos Dental, where you can also download our eBook.
Do you know our motto? It is striving for excellence in everything we do. However, focusing on operational excellence, built-in quality, and continuous improvement all comes down to one thing: What is in it for you as an OEM? In this post, I break it down to answer the question.
What is OPEX in medical device manufacturing?
OPEX is an abbreviation of Operational Excellence. It is often described as the journey to optimize an organization’s processes so it can create more value for its customers while using smaller amounts of resources.
OPEX is not a fixed goal. It is rather something that is regularly achieved. Therefore, it requires continuous improvements.
To us as a CDMO, OPEX is about ensuring that we operate excellently throughout our organization and always look for ways to improve our performance. It is our way of systematically and continuously improving our processes to become more Lean, reduce waste, and create value for our customers.
To concretize: We want to deliver high-quality products at the lowest cost and in the most efficient way possible while reducing waste.
A leading global CDMO for medical devices.
Our long-term strategy is to strengthen our offering and develop our competencies in our expertise areas to remain a leading global CDMO for medical devices in our markets.
Our OPEX strategy is to develop our production processes continuously and systematically through continuous improvements, waste reduction, visualization, and standardization. Through efficient, automated, and digitized solutions, we can create cutting-edge production.
We do the right things – and we do them right.
Our OPEX work means ”doing the right things and doing them right”. It includes competent leadership, systematically developing our skills, and constantly improving our processes. This way, we achieve built-in quality in every process and world-class operation.
What is in it for me as an OEM of medical devices?
You can ensure your customers that your medical devices are of the highest quality. Your capacity demand and expectations will be met, and you can harness innovation and sustainability from a trusted CDMO.
We work as a global team across borders.
As a company, we recognize that the energy our employees put into their daily work is our most important asset for building world-class manufacturing. The phrase ”stealing good ideas with pride” is a valuable insight when applied within our own organization. By collaborating across borders as one team and sharing expertise between our sites globally, we can build a more robust offering.
What is in it for me as an OEM of medical devices?
No matter where you are or which production site you use for development and manufacturing, you will benefit from our global knowledge and expertise.
We focus on development, learning, and training.
The cornerstone of a learning culture is that everyone has a ”growth mindset”. Our culture is not only to learn and apply what we have learned but also to feel engaged to share our knowledge with others through teamwork. It is crucial for creating long-term results where continuous improvement is more than a technology – it is a way of life.
What is in it for me as an OEM of medical devices?
You will benefit from the results of our growth mindset: The better we get at development, design, and production, the better your products get.
We put the customer first.
Lean is a systematic method for minimizing waste. It focuses on identifying parts of a production process that do not provide customer value. We foster a culture where everyone is committed and empowered to apply Lean to maximize customer value.
What is in it for me as an OEM of medical devices?
You will have your products delivered according to the agreed delivery time, in the correct quantity, and with the highest quality. You can rely on sustainable, no-waste, effective production.
We have a problem-solving mindset.
We have a problem-solving mindset throughout our organization. There are always ways to improve processes, eliminate waste, and create error-proofing methods with problem detection early on. Our culture is based on encouraging ideas and being agile for improvement suggestions.
What is in it for me as an OEM of medical devices?
You can feel confident that we not only detect and solve problems at an early stage but also prevent them from happening in the first place.
We focus on operational efficiency.
Our operations strategy serves as a platform for all our sites to improve performance and add value. Our operations management is our fundamental approach and methodology in our organization, with teamwork as a base and customer satisfaction as a result.
What is in it for me as an OEM of medical devices?
You will benefit from shorter lead times, a flexible supply chain, higher efficiency, and lower cost – ultimately feeling satisfied with our products, services, and capabilities.
We continuously improve our processes.
Continuous improvement is a method for identifying opportunities for streamlining work and reducing waste. The cycle of continuous improvement – identify, plan, execute, review – is a mindset we have adopted across our operations. We constantly improve and systematically develop people and processes to create value and prosperity while reducing waste.
What is in it for me as an OEM of medical devices?
You will benefit from more cost-effective solutions as we do not focus on cost in the first place. By working with continuous improvement and doing the right things throughout the entire process, the total cost will eventually drop.
We empower our people.
We strongly believe that our employees are our greatest strength. Providing each employee with a supportive environment that encourages them to come up with innovative and bright ideas, and do their best, is our way of empowering people.
What is in it for me as an OEM of medical devices?
You can rely on engaged professionals who will go the extra mile, learn more and faster, and be more creative, to work for your advantage.
We focus on what is best for the customer.
In a customer-oriented company, all employees, regardless of role, base their decisions and actions on the belief that what is best for the customer is also best for the business. The basis of our customer focus is to develop collaboration with our customers to get ideas for improvements and cost savings.
What is in it for me as an OEM of medical devices?
You will benefit from the security of a mutually fruitful and valuable customer relationship based on communication, dialogue, and understanding.
We sustain the gains by standardization.
“Sustaining the Gains” is part of our continuous improvement culture. It is the concept that once any improvement has been achieved, the next step is to standardize and maintain it. A high retention rate creates greater opportunities to maintain what we have achieved.
What is in it for me as an OEM of medical devices?
You can rely on your products that are produced with high-quality equipment, efficient production, and stable processes based on proven effective methods.
The result? Medtech Quality Excellence.
Developing and manufacturing medical devices that impact human health comes with great responsibility. Patients put their trust in the tools used to treat their bodies. And the creators of those tools – you, the OEM – put your trust in us, the CDMO.
And so, the result of all our efforts is Quality Excellence.
The past few years have presented many important trends in the orthopedic device market that we have been talking about for a while now. As the elderly population is expanding, the need for orthopedic devices that improve the quality of life for patients will continue to grow. In this blog article, I share what we see today and how things are developing, presenting 5 orthopedic device market trends in 2022.
1. The acceptance of robotics in orthopedic surgery
Robotic-assisted surgery is a major focus in orthopedics. About five years ago, robotic surgery was pretty much in its infancy. A lot has happened in the past few years, and it has now become more accepted. Every single company has or is coming out with its own system for doing robotic surgery. It started with hips and knees and has progressed to involve spine and trauma applications.
One of the major orthopedic device companies installed 600 robots globally in 2021 and expects to install another 350-400 robots in 2022. Another major orthopedic device company installed 100 robots for knee replacement surgery in 2021 and expects to install another 200 robots in 2022. A third key player believes the demand for robotic-assisted surgery in orthopedics will remain strong.
I think this trend will continue to evolve, and the robots will become more refined, feature-rich, and precise. This is how the market is going, and companies will have to keep up with the development to stay ahead of the competition.
2. The shift to ambulatory surgery centers
Another trend, especially for the US market, is the shift to ambulatory surgery centers (ASC) performing more of the procedures. Prior to Covid, there was a general trend in the industry of trying to move more procedures to the ASC setting. Cost savings and ease of access for the patients and physicians made the movement to the ASC desirable, but it was slow.
With COVID, the move was accelerated. The hospitals were understandably full of Covid patients occupying beds that may have been needed post-surgery. Also, many surgical patients were concerned about being in close proximity to Covid-positive patients.
I think this is a trend that is definitely going to continue in the future. I don’t see us going back to when most orthopedic procedures were performed in the hospital.
The aspect of robotic surgery also plays into the ambulatory surgery situation. There was a time when, if you had a total knee replacement, you were in the hospital for a minimum of a week. Now you can do same-day surgery with robotic assistance due to their preciseness.
One of the major orthopedic device companies is experiencing continued penetration of US ambulatory surgery centers and contribution from robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery. They also saw the shift to the ASC setting evolving in the Covid environment and expect the ASCs to grow significantly going forward.
Another key player is seeing continued growth of large joint replacements in ambulatory surgery centers, especially knee replacements. They believe entering the cementless knee space will be critical to staying competitive in the orthopedic device market.
3. The shift to disposable instrumentation in surgery
Another big trend, which also plays into the ambulatory surgery setting, is a shift from reusable to disposable instrumentation. Since the inception of orthopedic surgery, surgeons have used drills, screwdrivers, saws, and other surgical instruments of one form or another for their procedures. Then they go down to central supply, where the instruments are cleaned, sterilized, and repacked after every case.
But now, we are starting to see a shift slowly going to disposable instrumentation. The disposable instruments come prepackaged and sterile. They are used for one procedure and are then properly and sustainably disposed of and recycled to aid in the production of new instruments. Brand new packs are taken out for the next procedure. I think this is the way a lot of the systems are going to go for instruments that have been used historically over and over again.
Until this point, the biggest impediment has been the cost of buying disposable instrumentation. However, there is a cost of sterilization as well. Many hospitals have invested millions of dollars in systems to clean and sterilize the instruments between procedures. They are now looking at the cost of using disposable instruments versus sterilization.
According to the latest research by FMI, the demand for disposable spinal instruments is poised to increase at a robust CAGR of 8.3% between 2022 and 2028, totalling a valuation of US$ 96.5 Mn by 2028. If the market can get the disposable cost down to a reasonable level, I think that is where this is going.
4. Additive manufacturing for orthopedic implants
Additive manufacturing is another big trend. Industry analyst SmarTech estimates that the orthopedic segment of additive manufacturing is forecast to grow by nearly 30% annually. However, it is taking a bit longer to ramp up, and the orthopedic market still hasn’t fully adopted it for some indications.
Again, a large factor is the cost. Once the manufacturers can bring the cost down, which we are starting to see, I think 3D-printed, custom-made implants will start to become more accepted. We are already starting to see many spine implants created using additive manufacturing.
Right now, for most arthroplasty procedures, surgeons try to match pre-made implants as closely as possible to the patients’ anatomy – and they can get it pretty close. But everybody is different, as we know. With 3D printing, however, it is possible to custom-make an implant specific to the patient’s unique anatomy. The fit will be better, and the implant will last longer.
Even though 3D printing is still too expensive for a lot of orthopedic implants, there are companies making them for very specific indications such as bone cancer and spinal surgery. Additive manufacturing has already revolutionized the design and manufacturing processes in a lot of industries. I think it will continue as a trend also in the orthopedic industry.
5. New innovative materials for orthopedic implants
Another big and ongoing trend in orthopedics is the development of new materials such as alloys, composites, and polymers and how they are manufactured. For example, there is a new polymer that scientists at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) have come up with that is twice as strong as stainless steel but as light as plastic. The medical implications of those properties are huge. Michael Strano, the Carbon P. Dubbs Professor of Chemical Engineering at MIT, says this new polymer may open up a whole new class of materials that are strong in new kinds of ways.
We are also seeing a big trend with PEEK implants, and that is just continuing to grow as companies are learning how to manufacture more complex components. According to Science Direct, polymer materials have become the research hotspot and achieved outstanding results in recent years.
I think these new types of materials will play a large part in the future of the orthopedic device market.
I hope this blog post gave you some insight into some of the orthopedic device market trends in 2022. To learn more about Elos Medtech’s offer, visit our website.
The use of robots in orthopedic surgery is an emerging field that has steadily gained momentum over the past few years. As a result, we are experiencing an increased demand for orthopedic products for robotic surgery. But why has robotic surgery become a growth engine in the orthopedic market? And what should you consider when looking into a development and manufacturing partner for your orthopedic products?
Robotic surgery allows for the most complex procedures
During robotic or robot-assisted surgery, the surgeon uses computer technology to direct the movements of a robotic arm with small instruments attached to it while looking at a 3D image of the patient’s intricate anatomy on a large screen. The precise movements of the robotic arm allow surgeons to perform the most complex procedures with more control, accuracy, and flexibility compared to conventional techniques.
The benefits of robot-assisted orthopedic surgery
Robotic surgery can support surgeons with advanced targeting, visualization, and task execution with precision beyond human skills. It provides a high level of repeatability with reproducible results eliminating variations in surgical outcomes.
Robotic surgery can be used to cut bone, help position implants, as well as guide the surgeons for positioning instruments more precisely. It is ideal for total joint replacement, such as hip and knee, as the bone can be treated as a fixed object.
According to the Medical Device Network, the number of robotic-assisted knee reconstruction surgeries is expected to reach approximately 700.000 globally by 2030 with a CAG of 8% from 2021 to 2030.
One of the main benefits of robot-assisted orthopedic surgery is the high level of precision when reducing long bone fractures or correcting spinal deformity. In spine surgery, the surgical guidance system helps surgeons provide a minimally invasive incision and insert the orthopedics implants more precisely in the case of multiple fractures. Surgeons at Yale New Haven Hospital were early adopters of robotics in the operation room and will add a new robot for spinal surgery this year.
In orthopedic trauma, robots are used for assistance in closed fracture reduction and reconstruction. Other benefits in fracture care include precise guiding of the implant, inserting, and manipulation of the screws and bolts.
Robot-assisted orthopedic surgery greatly benefits patients
Robot-assisted orthopedic surgery also offers many benefits to the patient. Minimally-invasive surgery means smaller incisions resulting in less scarring on the body and reduced risk of infection. This also has the effect of reducing blood loss, pain, and discomfort post-surgery. The recovery time is generally faster, and patients are often discharged on the same day, depending on the procedure.
High demand for orthopedic products for robotic surgery
Robotic surgery has demonstrated its potential and significance. It is replacing conventional techniques and has the potential to transform the way orthopedic procedures are done in the future. As robotic technology brings surgery into the digital age, the demand for orthopedic products continues to increase.
According to Orthopedic Surgical Robots Market Outlook 2028 by Strategic Market Research, the market is expected to reach USD 4489 million in 2028 and robotic-assisted surgery is estimated to be the most trending technology in the future. The technology comprises a colossal potential in standardizing surgical procedures and enabling minimal invasive surgery, technique thereby ushering in a new era of growth.
Are you looking to outsource your orthopedic products?
Today, many companies focus on outsourcing as a competitive strategy. When looking into a development and manufacturing partner for your orthopedic products, there are many things you should consider: Are they a trusted partner in the industry? Do they understand your market? Are they willing to invest? Do they have the knowledge, expertise, and capabilities required for developing and manufacturing your specific products?
Choosing a CDMO is one of the most important decisions you can make for influencing the future success of your products, and, therefore, you should always look into different options. Here are some of the reasons why other orthopedic companies have chosen to collaborate with us.
A leading global development and manufacturing partner
Our commitment to the orthopedic market has made us a global development and manufacturing leader for medical devices and components. Our specialization is one of the reasons why many of the world’s leading companies choose to collaborate with us along with our high-quality standards. We operate from facilities in Europe, China, and the US, and our customer base comprises international medical technology companies.
A strong product offering in orthopedics
In recent years, we have developed a strong product offering in orthopedics through specialization and investments in our core competencies. During the previous year, the expansion of our production site in Memphis, USA, was completed as part of our strategic growth plan. Our focused investments and dedicated work have contributed to an increased interest from global leading orthopedic companies.
Investing in our orthopedic business area
To meet increased customer demand in 2022, we will continue to invest in our orthopedic business area. Within a few years, we expect about half of our sales within orthopedics will be products for robotic surgery. This requires investments in machinery, personnel, and other equipment, primarily in the US site, over a three-year period which we now plan for.
Demonstrated expertise in orthopedic products for robotic surgery
Orthopedic products for robotic surgery is an area of the market where we are well established with several customers. We have demonstrated expertise in this key market, long-term specialization in selected products, and close partnerships with our customers.
In-depth experience in other markets and medical technologies
Our ability to share expertise and capabilities across our centers increases the ways we can add value to our customers’ projects and business. In the Elos Medtech Group, we have in-depth experience in other markets and medical technologies, including hearing devices and cardiovascular, neurosurgical, and oncology treatments as well as delivery systems.
Robotic surgery is a fascinating area and we are really excited to see this market trend continue to develop. Would you like to know more about our orthopedic offering? Visit our website.
As the medical device market is rapidly changing, OEMs are challenged to evolve their roles to thrive in the future of healthcare. Here are 7 global medtech trends in life science to keep you updated and ready for new market challenges, demands, and opportunities.
1. Demographic aging increases the need for medical devices
We have an expanding elderly population. The proportion of older people is increasing due to people living longer and having fewer children. According to the UN, the current world population of 7.6 billion is expected to reach 8.6 billion in 2030 and 9.8 billion in 2050. Along with an aging population comes age-related diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and related mobility disability. Consequently, also the need for medical devices that improve the quality of life increases.
2. The medtech industry invests more in AI and ML
As big data is becoming more assessable and manageable, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are increasingly applied within healthcare. According to GlobalData forecasts, the market for AI and ML platforms will reach $52B in 2024, up from $29B in 2019. In the past few years, we have seen some of the largest players in the medtech industry invest in AI and ML. These technologies can potentially transform many aspects of patient care such as diagnosing, managing, and treating diseases and health issues.
3. A shift from mass-production to patient-specific implants
Patient-specific implants are a growing and advancing field within medtech. The medical device industry is slowly shifting from mass production to mass customization. Every body is different, and the closer an implant can mimic the natural body, the better. With the surgical benefits and potential for customized implants, more manufacturers now seek to make them more mainstream. We are already seeing major manufacturers, software companies, and hospitals partnering to produce custom implants for more unique cases.
4. Specialization in production technologies is coveted
The outsourcing trend in medical devices remains strong. While OEMs are looking for strategic CDMOs, there is also an increased demand for partners specialized in different production technologies – combining polymers and metals, for example. In addition to cost-efficiency, flexibility, and reduced time to market, OEMs face several challenges unique to their industry. Production technologies must be well adapted to high demands on complex geometries, precision, advanced surface treatments, and exacting hygiene requirements.
5. Increased demand for medical device cleanroom production
A cleanroom environment is one of the keys to producing medical devices that meet today’s regulations for quality and safety. While focusing on the core business and reducing time to market is important for OEMs, we are seeing more medtech companies looking to outsource cleanroom production to a specialized CDMO. There is an increased demand from the medical device market in general and the diagnostics market in particular.
6. MDR puts high demands on the medical device industry
In 2021, the new MDR came into effect, aiming to increase safety and efficiency in the EU medical device market. To ensure products are MDR compliant, more OEMs turn to CDMOs to assess their MDR readiness, analyze their existing and future product portfolios, and accelerate time to market. CDMOs that understand the entire requirement and have the capability set are also trusted to take responsibility for more steps throughout the value chain; from design and manufacturing to packaging, distribution, and logistics.
7. The pandemic footprint in life science will linger
Since the coronavirus outbreak, the medtech industry has experienced great upheaval. With the increased need for intensive care, the demand for life-sustaining equipment and medical devices such as ventilators became exceptionally strong. This led to substantial delays in non-urgent procedures impacting the supply and demand for many medical devices. Although the industry is moving into the recovery and thrive phase, the pandemic footprint will linger, and a central challenge will be rapidly scaling up production to meet global needs.
There is opportunity on the horizon
Even though there are many challenges to navigate in the medical device industry, there is opportunity on the horizon. One key to success will be to build strong partnerships. Smart outsourcing – whether in the early design and development phases, manufacturing, or support after your products hit the market – can add the expertise, capabilities, and capacity to move faster and enter the market more competitively.
Are you curious to find out what that kind of partnership could look like? Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at Elos Medtech.
Today, Elos Medtech in Skara is described as highly experienced in advanced precision molding tools and polymer injection molding. But as the saying goes, even an expert has to start at the bottom. And in this case – literally at the bottom – more specifically, in the basement of a house in the Swedish countryside. This is the story of a young entrepreneur who started his own business, soon to become Elos Medtech – a global CDMO to the medical device industry.
A small business for polymer processing
Helldin’s Mechanical was founded in 1971 by 22-year-old Göran Helldin. He started his business in the basement of his house in Skara, Sweden. The first customer was a manufacturer of household products, for which Helldin’s Mechanical carried out polymer processing.
In 1975, the business moved into a small facility in the backyard, and machinery was bought. It wasn’t very spacious; the staff had to share space with a lathe, a milling machine, a hacksaw, and a drill press. Welding and painting had to be done outdoors – if the weather allowed. But nevertheless, the business started to grow.
Designing the first injection-molding tool
The company designed and manufactured its first own injection-molding tool during this period. For one of the customers, they made fixtures for cars and vacuum cleaners. When growing out of the facility, they moved into an old barn. There was no running water, and the barn needed some renovation, including a new floor, a new door, and new windows. At this time, Helldin’s Mechanical manufactured several injection-molding tools and injection molded plastic parts such as threaded plugs for industrial tools and equipment.
Injection molding for the medical device industry
In the late seventies, Helldin’s Mechanical changed the company name to Microplast, and the business moved into newly built premises. The workforce had increased to twelve people, and Microplast now had a complete workshop of injection-molding tools and capacity to produce injection-molded plastic parts on a larger scale.
In the early eighties, Microplast closed a deal with their first medical device company. This was a significant milestone. The deal included the injection molding of plastic parts for a chromatography system. At this time, Microplast had already designed nearly 100 different injection-molding tools.
In 1984, the same company placed an order of injection-molding tools and prototypes for a socket of an allergy blood test. At that moment, nobody could imagine the future scope. Today, this product is distributed worldwide – and Elos Medtech is still their trusted partner.
Towards the end of March, world-leading supplier of advanced ventilators for intensive care units Getinge asked us to increase production of vital ventilator components. Humbled by the gravity and scale of the challenge Getinge is currently facing and honored to be entrusted with helping them supply much needed life-support equipment to hard-pressed intensive care units and patients in desperate need of respiratory care, we rolled up our sleeves and got to work straight away.
Helping leading ventilator supplier Getinge meet the soaring demand for their life-support equipment
Our highly automated production plant in Skara, Sweden, with its 3,300 m2 of injection-molding machines, time-saving robots and clean-room manufacturing facilities, has been designed to meet the global demand for life-support equipment and other essential components for the medical and healthcare industries.
Over the past 60 years, Elos Medtech has been supplying a wide range of technically advanced medical technology products and components to some of the biggest companies in the healthcare industry. Among them, leading global supplier of advanced ventilators for intensive care units, Getinge, with whom we have worked closely for more than 20 years. So when they asked us to increase production of several ventilation components in order to help them meet the overwhelming global demand for ventilators, naturally we rolled up our sleeves and got to work.
Teamwork and efficiency are crucial in times of crisis
As demand continued to increase, we called upon our manufacturing sites in Gørløse, Denmark and Timmersdala, Sweden for additional support. Unsurprisingly, they too were just as eager to help Getinge with their momentous task.
Our recent measures to streamline all aspects of production, packaging and logistics processes at several of our manufacturing facilities have also played a major part in enabling us to respond successfully to Getinge’s urgent needs. Processes that we hope will now help Getinge supply their life-sustaining equipment even faster to hard-pressed intensive care units and patients in desperate need of respiratory care.
Maintaining precision and safety is essential when producing life-sustaining equipment
The high-performance thermoplastic components we injection mold at our production site in Skara are used in some of the most demanding medical areas, such as life support, neurosurgery, cardiovascular surgery and diagnostics. Made from PVDF, ETFE, ECTFE, PEEK, PES, PPS and PPSU as well as polyolefins PS and ABS, these carefully designed components are injection molded to ensure extreme accuracy and maximum uniformity.
Maintaining precision and safety is essential when manufacturing equipment for the healthcare industry, particularly when it comes to equipment for patients in need of intensive care treatment. And thanks to our expertise and experience in the industry, we are able to meet the strictest criteria when it comes to preventing sudden increases in production from affecting the accuracy or safety of these much-needed components.
Contributing to global efforts by producing large volumes of ventilation tubes and respirator valves
The components we are currently manufacturing as part of the global efforts to reduce the shortage of critical healthcare and medical supplies include:
Ventilation tubes and gas blenders/mixing chambers (inspiratory flow) This is one of the larger components we produce in Skara. There is a ventilation tube in each ventilator, and it is a permanent, non-disposable component. The ventilation gases are prepared and mixed in the ventilation tube, which assists the patient with their breathing, ensuring optimum ventilation performance and patient comfort.
Respirator valves Our disposable respirator valves undergo rigorous testing rounds and are highly sophisticated polypropylene components. Fitted with a fine mesh membrane, each respirator or ventilation valve has a built-in feedback system for maintaining the correct oxygen supply. This system enables healthcare workers to achieve the intended volume and respiratory frequency for that specific patient with complete accuracy.
Proud to be working alongside Getinge in the fight against covid-19
As I said at the start of this article, we are humbled and honored to be contributing to the fight against covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) alongside one of the world’s largest manufacturers of these much-needed life-supporting ventilators. Our long-standing, close working relationship with Getinge laid the foundations that is enabling us to quickly mobilize our production sites and help them overcome the equipment shortage faced by so many healthcare units during this critical time.
If you have any questions about our ventilator components or our work with Getinge to overcome the global ventilator shortage, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Or if you would like to find out more about safety and quality at Elos Medtech, you might be interested in reading this article by Anders Björklund, Director of Quality & Regulatory at Elos Medtech.
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