More than a million times each year in hospitals all around the world, a device called the heart-lung machine keeps patients alive while surgeons repair damaged hearts in an unobstructed "dry environment." Those who benefit range from tiny babies with congenital defects to adults suffering from arterial blockage. For many years, Richard Griewski has led the design efforts on the 3M Sarns brand of heart-lung pumping systems, one of the oldest and most respected names in this life-sustaining technology. Griewski has played a particularly important role in pioneering the first computer-aided centralized monitoring systems for heart-lung machines. In the process, he has had to learn the fundamentals of cardiac surgery to address the human factors needs of the perfusionists who operate this equipment during critical moments. His engineering expertise also includes: pumping systems, cell biology, display systems, electronics, software, and electromagnetic compatibility. One veteran perfusionist at the famed Texas Heart Institute calls the Sarns devices the "Coca Cola" of the field, based on the machines' long track record for reliability, as well as such innovations as automatic battery backup, integrated gas mixer, and "splash-proof" design.
Safety networks have become more complex, and have actually become simpler and easier to deploy for plant operators. This slideshow highlights developments in plant safety with an emphasis on integrated safety networks.
As the MEMS industry spans a myriad of industries and markets, the future of MEMS in consumer electronics will enable a myriad of functionality, applications, and personalization.
The Nest is a sleek-looking digital thermostat which can actually "learn" its owners' schedule and then continue to regulate temperature to suit the user's preferences and patterns.
Thanks to embedded electronics, medical devices are getting smaller and smarter than ever. Pacemakers and implantable defibrillators are now able to call physicians. MRIs, CT scanners, and ultrasound machines are gaining mobility. And the venerable Band-Aid may soon be able to detect illnesses ranging from fevers to heart arrhythmias. On February 21, join Design News senior editor Charles Murray for a wide-ranging discussion, "Embedded Angles for Medical Products," which will explore the latest developments in medical electronics. The discussion will examine advances in medical device technology and offer an inside look at the embedded electronics behind it.
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