Today’s medical device manufacturers are focused on providing continuous technological advances for doctors and their patients. These advances are often propelled by innovative encoder components that help devices track changes in position and motion. With smoother motion control and increased position accuracy, IVD devices, imaging tools, and even radiation therapy can achieve more accurate results that help doctors diagnose and treat patients more effectively.
The Importance of Accurate Diagnostic Tools
The first hurdle medical professionals face when helping patients is finding the right diagnosis. According to a 2019 study conducted by John Hopkins University, misdiagnosis or late diagnoses that result in death make up one-third of all malpractice cases—costing a lofty $1.8 billion in payouts over ten years. And while it might seem that the blame sits squarely on the shoulders of the doctors, many factors contribute to these misdiagnoses, including inaccurate diagnostic imaging or false IVD results.
In-Vitro Diagnostic Tools (IVD)
In-vitro diagnostics (the testing of human tissue or blood samples, commonly known as lab testing) is a complex field. And just like with any mechanically-aided process, inaccuracies do happen. Unfortunately, these false negatives or false positives can lead doctors down the wrong diagnosis or treatment path, preventing patients from receiving the proper care needed.
Inaccurate test results happen for many different reasons like cross-contamination, inaccurate testing parameters, or device malfunctions. To prevent these issues from occurring, motion control feedback systems in the testing equipment have to function correctly.
Encoders are one of these feedback systems. Encoders measure changes in position and motion—playing a critical role in the accuracy and precise measurement of movement. This means manufacturers need innovative encoder components to keep the device aligned properly, preventing incorrect results.
Diagnostic Imaging
Diagnostic imaging is another critical tool. MRIs, X-Rays, and CTs allow doctors to peer inside the human body to discover potential issues that might explain patient symptoms.
And while imaging specialists are well-trained to operate these machines, they still rely on the equipment to function properly to get the job done right. Even millimeter-long inaccuracies in the alignment of the image can prevent doctors from catching critical issues like bleeds, cancerous cells, and other diagnostically significant information.
Encoders help imaging machines line up according to precise specifications so doctors get the correct images they need. To get a clear, properly lined up image, critical encoder components, like the encoder disc or scale, needs to operate with precision and accuracy every time.
Positive Patient Outcomes Also Require Accurate Treatment Options
Making the proper diagnosis is only half the battle for doctors. To improve the quality of life for patients, doctors need effective treatment options. This is another space where medical device manufacturers are stepping up their game. By creating devices equipped with the highest quality components (specifically, encoder components) these devices can improve patient outcomes with more accurate and effective treatments.
Robotic Surgery
In cases where surgery is a necessary treatment option, many doctors look to robot-assisted surgery. Robot-assisted surgery allows for more precision with fewer scars or openings that would increase the likelihood of post-op infections. With custom encoder discs, robotic arm manufacturers can achieve a greater degree of motion feedback that allows the device to achieve the fluid movements and precise positioning needed to help prevent unintentional damage to surrounding tissues.
Radiation and Laser Treatments
For cancer treatment, radiation and laser therapy are key options that require sound devices. These tools look to destroy cancerous cells with targeted laser or electromagnetic waves. To ensure the device is targeting the right area of the body, manufacturers often use custom encoder components like scales to get the most accurate position feedback. This ensures the right area of the body is being targeted so healthy tissue isn’t damaged.
How Innovative Encoder Components Improve Patient Outcomes
As we’ve just explored, a patient’s fate often hinges on properly functioning devices. So, to improve the performance and accuracy of diagnostic tools and treatments, medical device manufacturers look to optoelectronic suppliers for high-quality motion feedback components.
Standard encoders are limited in their performance. That’s because they often utilize basic encoder components like discs and scales.
Fortunately, with a custom encoder disc, manufacturers have more control over critical characteristics like the material choice and the detailed composition of the code wheel. Through the power of customization, manufacturers can hone in on crucial metrics to improve the performance of their technology.
Innovative custom encoder components help manufacturers shrink the percent error on tools and cut down on improper results. That means lab technicians and imaging specialists can enable doctors with the accurate results needed to provide the right diagnosis. And with accurate diagnoses, doctors can increase the quality of life for patients by effectively treating problems with accuracy and precision.
For The Most Innovative Encoder Components, Choose Photo Solutions
For over 30 years, Photo Solutions has been a leader in custom encoder disc manufacturing. With custom encoder discs and scales available in Mylar, Aluminum, and Glass, we help manufacturers overcome common encoder challenges and dial in critical feedback metrics.
We work with top medical device manufacturers to improve patient outcomes and help doctors diagnose and treat diseases earlier.
Learn more about our innovative encoder components today.
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