Medical devices
The range of medical device technology is vast, and includes the following categories
- Medical imaging/ultrasound equipment and materials
- Diagnostic equipment and materials
- Electromedical and respiratory devices
- Active and passive implantables
- Advanced wound management
- Surgical and anaesthetic equipment
- Rehabilitation aids
- Integrated analysis and data transfer systems
- Emergency and resuscitation instrumentation
The UK has a strong history in research and development of medical devices and in technologies for the delivery of healthcare. Whilst much of the manufacturing in the high value sectors has moved to the major markets of America, Japan and Germany, the UK continues to have many successful specialist manufacturing companies and smaller producers in emerging areas of technology. The UK medical technology industry has been driven by small to medium size R&D oriented companies, working closely with centres of clinical excellence in the UK.
It is estimated that in the UK alone, 38 million people come into contact with a medical device every day. The SEEDA region boasts some 300 medical device companies offering products varying from surgical instruments to heart monitors. The region’s medical device community generates approximately £600 m in revenue. With the largest concentration of medical device companies in the UK, the South East generates almost 15% of the UK’s sales in this sector.