Designing for Mechanical and Signal Integrity in Handheld Medical Treatment Applications

Handheld medical devices must perform across a wide range of device specifications and end-user environmental conditions. Mechanical and signal integrity of cable components is especially important for high-level performance, accuracy, durability, longevity, and user satisfaction. Medical cables undergo extreme wear and tear in most medical settings — they are constantly being coiled and uncoiled, stepped on, and rolled over. Repeated sterilization in harsh conditions can further stress the cable's physical and electrical integrity. Equipment examples include endoscopic cameras, electrosurgical devices, medical foot switches, lithotripters, laser hair removal devices, magnet therapies, and pulse oximetry and ultrasound equipment.