TTI supplier marketing manager, Jon Holder, reviews the role of sensors in modern medical devices and how they improve patient outcomes.

Fitness trackers, CPAP machines, pacemakers, infusion pumps, blood pressure monitors. Chances are, you or someone you know uses at least one of these popular medical devices. Through major technology advances that have formed connected healthcare networks, these devices are transforming the industry. They are used in hospitals, doctor’s offices, homes and remote settings to diagnose, treat and monitor patients.
The global market for medical devices is growing exponentially. According to Statista, a steady increase of 5.7 per cent is expected annually, with a projected market volume of $673 billion by 2029. One reason for this growth is longer life expectancy creating an aging population. In addition to age-related conditions (orthopedic for instance), many seniors also develop chronic diseases, such as cardiac disease, cancer and diabetes, often requiring diagnostic, therapeutic or surgical procedures.
Another reason is growing emphasis on physical fitness among adults worldwide, leading to an increase in consumer- based monitoring and feedback. As people seek to be more informed about their health, they are looking for devices that are user-friendly, cost-effective and reliable. At the center of this healthcare revolution are sensors. Medical sensors help collect accurate health-related data, giving providers and patients access to vital, real-time information. This leads to better management of health conditions for improved outcomes and quality of life.
Medical sensors are found in diagnostic, therapeutic and monitoring devices. These include monitoring of common vital signs (temperature, pulse rate, respiration and blood pressure); procedures requiring medical pumps, such as infusion therapy and dialysis; respiratory care, including invasive and non-invasive ventilation, plus anesthesia machines, CPAP machines and oxygen concentrators; and minimally invasive surgical procedures, such as implanting pacemakers, inserting catheters or cataract surgery.
These sensor technologies monitor the medical equipment and tools used in the procedures, while also physically monitoring the patients.
The success of a medical device relies heavily on the sensors’ quality and performance, meaning they must meet stringent requirements to maintain stability over time and ensure consistency in diverse and sometimes less-than-ideal healthcare environments.
Requirements include accuracy, reliability, easy calibration, miniaturization, low power consumption, digital signal processing and multi-sensor integration. Sensors also need to be continuously available to ensure sustainability of medical devices and long-term patient care. Sensors should also be accompanied by comprehensive technical support to guarantee proper installation, maintenance and troubleshooting.
The healthcare industry has seen remarkable breakthroughs in technology. Medical sensors have played a foundational role and will continue to shape the future. Having a component supplier who understands this, with design experience and the ability to deliver high- quality parts when they are needed, makes all the difference. TTI has an expansive inventory and seasoned specialists who partner with customers for success in today’s market and beyond.