Connecting Solutions in

Next-Generation Medical Imaging

The most influential trends shaping today’s imaging systems are related to connectivity and a product’s ability to communicate with other devices and systems while quickly transferring large amounts of data. Choosing the right components provider for items such as cable assemblies and connectors can ensure exceptional connectivity.

Medical Imaging Systems

Ultrasound

X-ray

MRI

Types of Ultrasound

There is growing sophistication in ultrasound as the technology develops. First, let’s look at the different kinds of uses for ultrasound: diagnostic and therapeutic.

Diagnostic ultrasounds create images of structures in the body using high-frequency sound waves.
Therapeutic or interventional ultrasounds don’t create images and are meant to help providers interact with tissues and blood vessels in the body for interventional therapies. An example is high-intensity focus ultrasound which is used to treat tumors and growths.

Market Trends

Ultrasound systems have user-friendly machine interfaces that are easy to use.
Battery life and miniaturized components allow for smaller machines.
Portable, handheld devices are increasingly used in facilities outside the hospital.

Ultrasound

X-ray

MRI

X-ray systems

X-ray systems use electromagnetic radiation to pass through the body, creating images of tissues and structures. X-ray systems can be based on film or digital radiography. Film systems have analog output while digital systems display images on a screen.

X-ray systems create images of tissues and structures in the body using electromagnetic radiation.
Film, or analog X-ray systems, are increasingly being replaced with digital systems.

Market Trends

An aging population, focus on early diagnosis, and prevalence of chronic conditions are driving the need for minimally invasive imaging.
Digital radiography images can be processed faster than film, leading to higher patient throughput and creating demand for X-ray systems in numerous facilities.

Ultrasound

X-ray

MRI

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to make detailed images of the body’s internal structures. MRI helps providers identify changes in organs, tissues, and blood vessels and is also used to detect and study abnormal masses. Compared to ultrasound and X-ray techniques which use radiation, MRI is better suited for imaging soft tissues and organs.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses radio waves and magnetic fields to create pictures of the body’s internal structures.
Unlike X-ray and ultrasound, MRI is radiation-free, and well suited for looking at soft tissues and organs.

Market Trends

As early diagnosis and pervasiveness of diseases increase, minimally invasive imaging will continue to be preferred by patients.
Advances in magnet field strength continue to drive innovation in MRI systems, giving clearer and more detailed images.

Molex Product Spotlight

Easy-on FFC/FPC Connectors

This video gives an overview of easy-on FFC/FPC one-touch connectors for secure and easy mating in a single step.

Off-the-Shelf Cable Assemblies

These standard cable assemblies deliver off-the-shelf solutions with a broad range of connectors in a variety of cable lengths.

Gen 4 USB Type-C Connectors

Molex’s Type C USB Connectors are available in many configurations for various applications.

Overmolded Cable Assemblies

Molex’s overmolded cable assemblies offer custom and off-the-shelf solutions that are durable and available in multiple circuit sizes and lengths, with no tooling costs.

What’s Next in Medical Technology?

Better Technology = Better Healthcare

A growing emphasis on minimally invasive procedures in interventional medicine aims to lessen patient trauma, reduce recovery times, and minimize hospital stays.

Advanced Imaging Techniques

Structural Heart Interventions

Robotics and Navigation Systems

Finer Visualization

Advances in imaging technology, such as intravascular ultrasound, optical coherence tomography, and fractional flow reserve, have allowed for better visualization of blood vessels and improved decision-making during interventions.

Molex Solutions

Molex is prepared for these advanced developments by creating reliable, easy-to-use, high-density medical-grade connectors with ever higher pin counts. This allows for real-time integration of multiple data and image signals with complex interconnects.

Advanced Imaging Techniques

Structural Heart Interventions

Robotics and Navigation Systems

Minimally Invasive

Interventional cardiology has witnessed significant advancements in treating structural heart diseases without open-heart surgery. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement and mitral valve repair/replacement are examples of minimally invasive procedures used to address valvular heart diseases.

Molex Solutions

Providing a core set of microminiature and RF off-the-shelf connectors, Molex electronic products are ready to meet the robust lifecycle needs of medical capital equipment.

Advanced Imaging Techniques

Structural Heart Interventions

Robotics and Navigation Systems

Assistive Technology

Robotic-assisted procedures and advanced navigation systems improve the precision, control, and outcomes of interventional procedures. These technologies are being developed and refined to enhance the capabilities of interventional physicians.

Molex Solutions

Molex provides the microelectronics, user interface, flexible substrates, and internal cable assemblies for surgeon consoles and signal generators needed to enable these new technologies.

Connectivity and Regulatory Challenges

Connected medical devices raise specific privacy and security issues, on top of a host of regulations that can disrupt production timelines. Working with a trusted partner who understands the regulatory landscape is as critical to product development as design, components, and manufacturing.

FDA approval and oversight now extend into the supply chain, and manufacturers have been forced to gain additional visibility into the quality of the supplier’s product, supplier selection, communication, and documentation. As supply chain logistics become more complex, manufacturers depend more on suppliers, designers, and consultants, and these resources must stand up to rigorous quality standards and audits.

Build a Custom Cable Assembly

Step 1

Select Connector End A Options

Step 2

Select Cable Length and Style

Step 3

Select Connector End B Options

Step 4

Select Pinout Configuration

Step 5

Select Pinout Configuration

Step 6

Select Pinout Configuration

Step 1

Select Connector End A Options

Step 1

Select Connector End A Options

Step 2

Select Cable Length and Style

Step 1

Select Connector End A Options

Step 2

Select Cable Length and Style Options

Step 3

Select Connector End B Options

Step 1

Select Connector End A Options

Step 2

Select Cable Length and Style Options

Step 3

Select Connector End B Options

Step 4

Select Pinout Configuration

Step 1

Select Connector End A Options

Step 2

Select Cable Length and Style Options

Step 3

Select Connector End B Options

Step 4

Select Pinout Configuration

Step 5

Select Cable Assembly Options

Step 1

Select Connector End A Options

Step 2

Select Cable Length and Style Options

Step 3

Select Connector End B Options

Step 4

Select Pinout Configuration

Step 5

Select Cable Assembly Options

Step 6

Share Your Contact Information

With the Molex Custom Cable Creator, you can start designing your custom cables today. The cable creator develops a custom cable solution including cables, connectors and accessories all in one place. You can choose from different connector families, circuit sizes, wire gauges, UL styles, cable lengths and more.

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Additional Resources

Powering the Future of Magnetic Imaging

A look at trends in imaging that are powering the medical devices of tomorrow.

Read the Ebook

Avnet and Molex Drive Imaging Innovation

The latest ultrasound systems use many electronic solutions that make innovative design possible.

Enabling Advancements in Intravascular Therapy

Intravascular techniques are helping to drive positive outcomes for chronic patients.

Read the Article