Statement by Joachim Schäfer, Managing Director of Messe Düsseldorf GmbH on COMPAMED 2017 – High-tech solutions for medical technology

Joachim Schäfer

Medical technology has undoubtedly become one of the most exciting industries in the world. This is because health is one of the most important elements of life, above all others. Therefore, advances in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures are followed with particular interest. The number of applications for patent from service providers is keeping pace with these expectations. The European Patent Office has recorded that more applications for patents come from medical technology than any other branch. All experts agree that the constant market growth of the past few years is set to continue into the future. The true speed of the growth rate cannot be precisely estimated as a result of certain economic and political development, as a result of trade protectionism. Alongside acceleration in innovation from service providers and skyrocketing enthusiasm for and interest in good medical care, superior technology trends also provide extra fuel for this boost. Digital transformation must be mentioned here. All industries have had to come onboard with digital transformation, and also miniaturise components to elicit better handling and easier application for their products.  

Both service providers of medical technology and their suppliers profit from these positive factors. They will present their full range of services and expertise at the N° 1 international industry platform COMPAMED in Düsseldorf from 13 to 16 November 2017. COMPAMED has been a parallel event for the world’s biggest medical trade fair, MEDICA, for 25 years, and has become a portal into the future of medical technology, allowing you to access futuristic technology and make it into reality today, with over 750 exhibitors. Be it product development, production and marketing or the desire for comprehensive solutions: COMPAMED constitutes the starting point for close collaborations between suppliers and their customers. Often, suppliers’ ideas are aired here, and these lay the foundations for huge advances in development in the world of medicine in some cases.   

This can be demonstrated by taking the example of diagnostic applications for ‘Point-of-Care Testing’. These are analytical procedures for patient-proximate and rapid yet favourably priced and uncomplicated laboratory diagnostics. The equipment used in diagnostics and treatment must function reliably and automatically for the benefits to be fully exploited. Samples must be taken for analysis in precisely defined quantities and then processed and tested. Drugs must be adapted and dosed according to the individual disease patterns presented by each patient. Microfluidic systems play an important role in this. The development of tiny components and parts to this end has turned out to be highly complex but it does provide the necessary basis for definite progress, for example in the field of ‘lab-on-a-chip’ technology.

So if an increasing number of illnesses which, just a few years ago, could only be diagnosed with the aid of complex laboratory analyses can now can be detected with the help of credit-card-sized mini laboratories, then it is the exhibitors at the COMPAMED trade fair and their skill who are driving these developments.

Other innovations for application in wearables should be mentioned here. Wearables are becoming a market that is earning billions worldwide. The best-known wearables are those used for sports watches or fitness wristbands. Microcomputers for medical applications (i.e. for monitoring important vital signs or monitoring implant function) are also developing at breakneck speed. Be it suitable wireless modules for sharing data, the most delicate of sensors and servos or powerful energy supplies that fit into the smallest spaces – the latest solutions are going to be presented at the COMPAMED trade fair and the most important aspects will be discussed at the two integrated specialist forums.

Raw materials and materials are also a big theme at COMPAMED. For the specialist providers of these, foam isn’t just foam. Our trade visitors learn this at COMPAMED. New varieties (based on polyurethane) are marking new milestones in wound care. They show a high capacity for fluid retention and fluid containment and are thus excellently suited for use in modern wound dressings. Patients also have good reason to be happy about this: When dressings are changed, the foam can be removed from the wound easily and without causing pain.

When it comes to coatings, specialist experts know that even a few micrometers can effect significant change and improvement in the functional characteristics of a medical product. This applies for for all systems such as catheters or stents that are used within the body. On the one hand, this depends on biocompatibility, but ensuring minimal friction is also a priority.

The entire value-added chain in medical technology

The product range at the COMPAMED trade fair (in Halls 8a and 8b) includes the following key branches: Components for medical technology (electronics, components, hoses, filters, pumps, and valves, among other items), materials/ substances, micro- and nanotechnology, made-to-order manufacturing, electronic manufacturing services (EMS), complex manufacturing and equipment partnerships (e.g. OEM – Original Equipment Manufacturers) as well as packaging and services.

In conjunction with the world's largest medical trade fair, MEDICA 2017, it will cover the entire medical technology supply chain – from individual components to measuring techniques and quality testing through to sterile, packed end products, within one time period and under one roof. This coordinated tandem of trade fairs and topics is a one-off event and both events experience more success as a result of this mutual support.

Therefore the two forums will be making relevant medical technology supplier trends subjects of discussion. Thereby, the COMPAMED HIGH-TECH FORUM (Hall 8a) presented by the IVAM association for microtechnology places key focus on microsystem technology, nanotechnology and production technology and process control. The content will focus on smart sensor solutions, printed electronics, microfluidics and innovative laser and photonics applications. The Countries session, on attractive markets, is dedicated to France.  

At the COMPAMED SUPPLIERS FORUM held by the specialist magazine, DeviceMed (Hall 8b), specialists, leading international companies and organisations will be talking about current developments throughout the entire process chain which concern medical technology. Main focal topics this year include: Digitalisation (mobile health, medical apps, medical industry 4.0), wearables, 3D printing and regulations. 

As in previous years, it will be possible to visit both events with a single ticket.