Expanding Our Expertise in Catheter Development at the Open Catheter Development Workshop
On 5–6 March 2025, our Managing Director, James Lawrence, and Operations Manager, Michael Lawrence, attended the Open Catheter Development Workshop, organised by Eyedea Medtech Education. This hands-on event, led by the highly knowledgeable Damien Carr, provided an in-depth exploration of the entire catheter development process.
As a medical device contract manufacturer, we are involved in multiple stages of catheter development. Attending this workshop allowed us to gain a broader understanding of the full development cycle, strengthening our ability to support customers at every stage.
The training covered all areas of catheter development:
Catheter Exploration
Here we examined the history of catheters, their design, clinical procedures, and the role of guidewires, introducers, and different catheter constructions. It was great to really get a deep understanding of the fundementals.
Catheter Makeup
A deep dive into catheter components provided insights into the materials, structures, and technical considerations that influence performance. This session reinforced the importance of each element’s role in the final product.
Catheter Manufacturing Processes
Here we had a live demonstration of building a catheter, which was a very useful excercise to see the whole process. Seeing the entire process firsthand, from raw materials to a finished catheter, was an excellent exercise in understanding the complexity at every step.
Additional Catheter Processes
This session looked at some of the additional processes such as punching, tipping, flaring, markerbands, cutting, bonding, printing, balloons, coatings etc.
The workshop concluded with a visit downstairs to see the Philips Azurion 7 M20 digital fluoroscope in a purpose built medical imaging suite. This advanced imaging system allows surgeons and doctor’s to see inside the patient in 3D allowing for much more advanced treatment. With only four of these machines in Ireland, it was a rare opportunity to see this cutting-edge technology in action.
Key Takeaways
The workshop provided valuable insights and a deeper appreciation of the challenges faced by our customers in catheter development. Learning from Damien’s expertise and engaging with a diverse group of industry professionals reinforced our commitment to continuous learning and innovation.
By expanding our knowledge of the full catheter development process, we are better positioned to support our customers with high-quality manufacturing solutions tailored to their specific needs.
We look forward to applying what we’ve learned and continuing to enhance our capabilities in this ever-evolving field.
