No abstract

For bioprotective encapsulated Internet of Things (IoT) electronics for the medical market, especially for cost‐effective, single or multiple use, injection molding will be of major importance. The stresses from the production process pose special challenges for electronics. The aim of the study was the simulative and experimental characterization of the load spectrum from the injection molding process and its effects on electronics. General recommendations for the encapsulation of IoT electronics in polymer matrices were derived. A microcontroller‐controlled temperature sensor board and a suitable injection mold were developed. Eight circumferential NTC‐sensors measured the prevailing thermal load directly on the component during overmolding. A simulation model allowed statements on the loads to be made about individual components, validated in experimental tests. In addition to PP and PMMA, PSU with a melt temperature of 360°C was tested. The temperature influence of the melt could be described as a function of the component position. The loss of adhesion, shrinkage, distortion, cavities, and delamination were analyzed using micrograph analysis. Complete functionality of the electronics was ensured after encapsulation. Optimization strategies were developed for the design of both IoT electronics and the injection mold. Novel concepts such as interlayer or backfill vias could be derived for future research approaches. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:1315–1331 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers

Equipping medical devices with smart technologies holds great potential for the development of modern medical products. The development requires the identification of new integration strategies and the research of new material combinations due to the miniaturization of systems and increasing production figures. The realization of Smart Biomedical Devices requires a sufficient barrier effect (bioprotection) by appropriate encapsulation of the electronic components. Thinnest polymer coatings have proven to be suitable for conformal encapsulation. The aim of the study was to investigate the fundamental suitability of thin-film lacquers added with catalysts as coating materials for electronic systems with regard to their biological use. Due to long curing times of up to 14 days, eight different catalysts based on different chemical structures were added to the coating materials and their influence on a cytotoxic effect was investigated. A non-cytotoxic effect was observed for the organometallic catalysts based on tin, zirconium, titanium, bismuth, and tertiary amine. Most were resistant to steam sterilization. The curing time of the non-cytotoxic coatings could be significantly reduced by the addition of catalysts. The shortening of process times is an important economic aspect in the production of mass-produced Smart Biomedical Devices.

98 Background: Aurora Health Care, a 15 hospital integrated system has recognized a multidisciplinary approach is the best practice for treatment of head and neck (H&N) cancers. We tested whether CNNs and system wide high definition video conferencing facilitates multidisciplinary collaboration in the treatment of H&N cancers. Methods: Baseline data identified the percent of newly diagnosed H&N cancer cases with prospective multidisciplinary discussion prior to initiation of treatment (Phase I). Then, performance improvement initiatives were identified to increase the percent of patients discussed during a multidisciplinary conference (MDC). The initiatives included: weekly review of all H&N cancer cases by a lead CNN found by Cancer Registry through EPATH; electronic communication from the CNN requesting physician presentation of their patients at the MDC; engagement of site-specific CNNs to schedule their provider’s patients for the MDC; collaboration with cancer registrars to place their site-specific patients with H&N cancer on their local or system MDC case list; follow-up with providers on patients not presented at MDC; and timely feedback (< 24 hours) to referring providers on recommendations for patients presented at MDC . After implementation of performance improvement initiatives, comparison data was obtained (Phase II) and analyzed utilizing a chi square test. Results: From January through September 2015 (Phase I) and October 2015 through June 2016 (Phase II), 75 and 102 H&N cancer cases were reviewed, respectively. A significant rise (p=0.005) in the percentage of patients being presented at an MDC occurred between phases I (77%, N=75) and II (93%, N=102). Conclusions: Through a coordinated process by CNNs, providers engaged in multidisciplinary discussions prior to the initiation of treatment. This increased engagement, changed practice patterns with patient assessment, aligned the institution with best practice guidelines and aided in therapy selection for the best possible patient outcomes.