Medical Devices

In the recently published IDTechEx market report titled Fiber Lasers 2018-2028: Technologies, Opportunities, Markets & Forecasts, Dr Nilushi Wijeyasinghe explores how recent fiber laser technology developments affect the growth of key market segments.

Multifunctional probes are extremely useful for research purposes, as they allow the recording of neural activity simultaneously alongside stimulation via drug administration or light (as is the case with optogenetics).

European Commission's Horizon 2020 SME (small-medium sized enterprises) Instrument recently announced Sensars Neuroprosthetics as a Phase 1 recipient for funding of their SENSY technology. Phase 1 recipients receive €50000 in funding for 6 months to execute a feasibility study and draft a 10-page business proposal. This is intended to bring the technology from the idea to concept stage. There are currently 2813 participants, 2750 projects coordinated, and 1094,87M€ allocated to the Horizon 2020 SME Instrument.

The University of Florida performs its first retinal implant with the Argus II by Second Sight. The Argus II is an epiretinal implant consisting of an inner electrode array placed in the eye where it can stimulate the remaining cells in the retina, effectively taking the place of the rod and cone cells that have died off due to degenerative retinal diseases like retinitis pigmetosa.