Explore every episode of the podcast Medical Design Briefs Podcast

Clinical trials are expensive, slow, and risky. AI promises to improve study planning, patient recruitment, endpoint selection, and evidence review, while also helping teamsextract and summarize complex clinical data. But in regulated healthcare environments, reliability is critical. In this episode, Ome Ogbru, CEO of AINGENS, examines how AI can support clinical trial workflows, why hallucinations and fabricated citations create compliance risks, and how evidence-grounded systems with human oversight may help sponsors and medicalteams use AI more safely.

Rapid diagnostics can determine whether care moves quickly or stalls in disaster zones, military operations, rural clinics, and global health settings where conventional laboratory infrastructure is unavailable. In this episode, Dr. Paul Yager ofthe University of Washington discusses the engineering behind low-cost point-of-care diagnostics, including microfluidics, paper-based systems, smartphone-enabled readouts, and lab-on-a-chip platforms designed to deliver actionable results closer to the patient. The conversation explores how thesetools are designed for ruggedness, usability, affordability, and reliability when sample handling, power, connectivity, and trained personnel are limited.

Devices in extreme settings must withstand vibration, heat, cold, humidity, and physical shock. Drawing lessons from battlefield medicine, polar research, and humanitarian crises, Emily Shaffer, Market Manager for Healthcare at Covestro,and Dr. David Duncan, president at MonuMedical, highlight design approaches that create more durable and universally reliable technologies.

Telehealth is only as strong as its connection. In this episode, Kelly Collins, Managing Director of SureAdhere by Dimagi, discusses how healthcare teams can deliver, document, and coordinate care in low-connectivity environments — from ruralclinics to global health programs — using offline-capable mobile tools, decision support, and delayed data synchronization.

What if the future of vision restoration depends on manufacturing in microgravity? LambdaVision is using theInternational Space Station to produce artificial retinas made from hundreds of layers of light-activated protein — a process that is difficult to perfect on Earth because gravity can disrupt layer uniformity. In this episode, Dr. Nicole Wagner, LambdaVision CEO and Dr. Michael Roberts, chief scientist of the International Space Station National Lab, discuss how space-based production could improve artificial retina quality, reduce material waste, support regulatory progress, and ultimately help patients affected by macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa.

Neurostimulators are moving beyond fixed, always-on stimulation toward therapies that can sense what is happening in the nervous system and adjust in real time. In this episode, we explore adaptive deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders with Dr. Simon Little, associate professor at the University of California San Francisco. He will talk with us about how neural recordings, biomarkers, and machine-learning-assisted personalization could help matchtherapy to a patient’s changing symptoms, medication state, movement, sleep, and daily life — and what this means for the future of responsive neuromodulation.

Neurological implants are evolving from static hardware into intelligent platforms that can do far more than provide structural support. In this episode, we explore how NeuFluent is thinking about next-generation smart implants and AI-enhanced robotics — technologies designed to improve surgical precision, generate actionable data, and help physicians make better decisions before, during, and after intervention. Pediatric surgeon Dr. Sam Browd, co-CEO and chief medical officer of NeuFluent, will discuss how advances in minimally invasive surgery, navigation, and implant intelligence could reshape neurological and spine care in the years ahead.

For implants designed to perform over time, it’s not always about electronics or batteries — it’s also about biology. There’s a new category of medical devices on the horizon that integrate with and leverage the body’s own tissue to function more effectively, heal more naturally, and dramatically reduce or eveneliminate the need for replacement surgeries. In this episode, John Schorgl, co-founder, chairman, and CEO of Peytant Solutions, explores how advanced tissue-based approaches are enabling implants to perform better and remain longer inside the body, thus redefining what long-term success really means.

As AI and robotics rapidly advance surgical capabilities, a parallel transformation is reshaping how surgeons aretrained. This episode explores the convergence of artificial intelligence, extended reality (XR), and immersive simulation — and why training may be the most critical factor in unlocking the full potential of next-generation surgical systems. Richard Vincent, CEO and Founder of FundamentalXR, discusseshow scalable, data-driven simulation and haptic feedback are bridging the gap between technology innovation and real-world clinical performance.

As robots increasingly share workspaces with people, success depends not only on interaction design but on engineering discipline, safety certification, and reliable system integration. In this episode, Ernst Neumayr, Cobot Business Manager for ABB Robotics, explores how human-centered robotic systems aredeployed at scale, drawing on lessons from collaborative robotics in industrial and regulated environments. He examines how real-world constraints shape the future of robots designed to work alongside people.

In this episode, we explore how enabling technologies — connectors, sensors, and ruggedized electronic architectures — are redefining what robotic systems can safely and reliably achieve. From maintaining signal integrity during delicate microsurgery to delivering durable performance through repeated sterilization cycles, we examine the engineering challenges that make precision possible. Michael Klitze, SeniorPrincipal Architect at TE Connectivity, shares how advances in interconnect density, force sensing, and system integration are shaping the future of surgical and assistive robotics.

Robotics is rapidly advancing beyond the operating room into patient recovery. Devices paired with brain–computer interfaces and adaptive machine learning algorithms are helping stroke and spinal cord injury patients regain movement faster than ever before. In this episode, Owen Kent and Todd Roberts, Founders of ATDev, highlight the latest neurorobotic systems, their impact on neural plasticity, and the promise of personalized rehabilitation programs.

In this episode, we’re exploring how wearables are improving drug delivery. Matt Huddleston, chief commercial officer and executive vice president of Enable Injections talk with us about how these wearables are enabling personalized drug delivery, ultimately improving quality of life for patients with chronic conditions.

In today’s episode, we’re exploring the growing emphasis on sustainability in drug-delivery devices. Martin Alexander Sørensen, Mechanical Design Engineer, and Martin Høier Thomsen, Senior Development Engineer and Project Manager, at MGS discuss the challenges and opportunities in developing greener drug-delivery solutions without compromising performance or safety.

In this episode, we’re exploring how targeted intra-arterial delivery platforms are redefining the treatment of solid tumors, offering a way to bathe cancer directly in therapy while limiting systemic toxicity. Our guest is Shaun Bagai, CEO of RenovoRx, who will discuss an ongoing post-marketing registry study that is gathering real-world evidence on safety, performance, and survival outcomes for patients receiving these localized treatments.

In this episode, we’re diving into personalized medicine and drug delivery — and how cutting-edge tools like AI, automation,and robotics are transforming cancer care. Joining us in this episode is Jim Foote, Co-founder and CEO of First Ascent Biomedical. First Ascent is at the forefront of developing platforms that personalize therapy by leveraging advanced analytics and automation — with the goal of reducing trial-and-error in oncology and improving patient outcomes.

This episode delves into some of the latest advancements in materials for medical devices. Dr. Jeremy Schaffer, Head of R&D at Fort Wayne Metals, talks to us about how new materials are enabling the production of devices that are stronger, more flexible, and more sustainable.

This episode investigates how advanced manufacturing using techniques such as automation and artificial intelligence is streamlining production processes in the medical device industry. Francisco Almada Lobo, CEO of Critical Manufacturing, dives into how AI-driven quality control, predictive maintenance, and process optimization are improving efficiency and reducing manufacturing costs.

In our continuing look at advanced manufacturing in healthcare, this episode explores how 3D printing is transforming the design and production of medical devices. My guest today is Atul Dhall, Engineering Consultant at TransAtlantic Science. He will talk to us about the benefits of creating custom implants, prosthetics, and surgical tools tailored to individual patients, as well as the ability to quickly prototype new devices for testing and development.

In this season, as we look at the advanced manufacturing in healthcare, this episode addresses one of the most pressing challenges in medical device manufacturing: ensuringsafety when materials or processes change — because how even small material modifications can impact biocompatibility and regulatory compliance. Audrey Turley, Director of Lab Operations, Biosafety, Nelson Laboratories providespractical strategies for assessing risk, streamlining testing, and managing documentation.

This episode explores how wearables are being used to detect early signs of health issues. Dr. Shalini Prasad, professor of bioengineering at the University of Texas at Dallas, discusses her work, which focuses on using sweat and other biomarkers to detect early signs of disease, paving the way for wearable devices that can transform preventative healthcare.

As we continue to explore the impact of wearables on healthcare, this episode focuses on privacy and data security in the era of medical wearables. Wearables are collecting vast amounts of sensitive health data. Colin Zick and Chris Hart, partners with the law firm Foley Hoag, discuss current regulations, how companies are protecting user data, and the potential risks associated with sharing health data across platforms.

In this season, as we look at the impact of wearables on healthcare, this episode focuses on the integration of AI into medical wearables. My guest today is Mark Goddard,Vice President of Clinical Services, InfoBionic.Ai. With a clinical and technical lens, Mark will help us explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the design and function of wearable medical devices — from enhancing diagnostics to enabling truly personalized care.

In this season, as we look at the impact of wearables on healthcare, this episode focuses on how wearables are transforming chronic disease management. My guest today isKirk Huntsman, CEO of Vivos Therapeutics. He talks to us about how wearables are enabling clinicians to intervene earlier in disease management and thus provide better patient outcomes.

In this season, we are taking a deep dive into the evolving role of robotics in healthcare, and this episode will focus on robotics in rehabilitation for enhancing recovery and enabling patient independence. My guest today is Hao Su, associate professor at New York University and Director of the Center of Assistive and Personal Robotics for Independent Living. He will discuss how wearable robotics are helping patients regain mobility and independence after.

In this season, as we continue to look at the evolving role of robotics and robots in healthcare, this episode focuses on developing emotionally intelligent robots for healthcare.My guest today is Dr. Elizabeth Broadbent, professor of health and psychology at the University of Aukland. She will talk to us about how developers can create AI-driven caregiving robots that are emotionally intelligent.

In this season, as we look at the evolving role of robotics and robots in healthcare, this episode focuses on AI-driven robotic caregivers. My guest today is Maja Mataric, Professor of Computer Science, Neuroscience, and Pediatrics, at the University of Southern California. She will share insights into socially assistive robotics and how they are playing an increasingly powerful role in eldercare and patient rehabilitation.

In this season, as we look at the evolving role of robotics in healthcare, this episode focuses on advances in autonomous surgical robotic systems. My guest today is medical roboticist Axel Krieger, associate professor at Johns Hopkins University. He will discuss a transformative advancement in surgical robotics, where robots can perform with both mechanical precision and human-like adaptability and understanding.

As we close out this season with a deep dive into cybersecurity, this episode will focus on AI and machine learning in medical device cybersecurity. DJ Fang, Cofounder and COO of Pure Global, discusses how these technologies can help detect andrespond to cybersecurity threats in real time, while also addressing the challenges they pose, such as biases, false positives, and system complexity.

As we continue our look at Cybersecurity in MedicalDevices,  this episode focused on the growing impact of cybersecurity on patient safety. Scott Mattila, COO of Intraprise Health, discusses how cybersecurity directly affects patient safety, the importance of cybersecurity by design, and risk mitigation strategies to protect patients from harm.

This episode delves into FDA’s role in medical device cybersecurity. Andrew Garnett, Software Engineering Manager at Minnetronix discusses the regulatory landscape of medical device cybersecurity, focusing on the FDA's guidelines and requirements.

In this season, we are taking an in-depth look at Cybersecurity: Addressing Cyber Threats and Safety in Medical Devices, and this episode focuses on best practices for securing medical devices. Our guest, Florian Gilcher, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Ferrous Systems, discusses the cybersecurity risks associated with networked medical devices and strategies to safeguard them.

In this season, we are taking an in-depth look at the Internet of Medical Things: The Future of Healthcare Connectivity, and this episode will focus on Interoperability in IoMT: Overcoming the Connectivity Barriers. My guest today is Deepal Mehta, Senior Director of Marketing and Business Development, InnoPhase IoT. He will discuss the barriers to interoperability and how these barriers can be addressed through solutions such as ultra-low-power wireless technologies. 

In this season, we are taking an in-depth look at Innovations in Sensor Technology for Medical Devices, and this episode will focus on the integration of sensors into next-generation health devices. My guest today is Lisa Trollo, ST MEMS Sensors Ecosystem and Digital Marketing Manager at STMicroelectronics. She will talk to us about how advanced sensor technologies driving the development of wearables and health-monitoring devices.

In this season, we are taking an in-depth look at innovations in sensor technology for medical devices, and this episode will focus on the role of MEMS in next-gen medical devices. Jessica Gomez, CEO of Rogue Valley Microdevices, discusses the transformative role of microfabrication and MEMS technology in advancing sensor technology for medical devices.

The advent of implantable sensor technologies has had a transformative impact on internal health monitoring. My guest today, Huanyu “Larry” Cheng, the James L. Henderson, Jr. Memorial Associate Professor of Engineering Science and Mechanics at Penn State University, talks about how the advent of implantable sensors is having a transformative impact on internal health monitoring.

In this season, we are taking an in-depth look at innovations in sensor technology for medical devices, and this episode will focus on the rise of advanced sensor technologies. My guest today is Michael Klitzke, Senior Principal Systems Architect for Medical Sensors at TE Connectivity. He will talk to us about how sensors are reshaping the landscape of medical diagnostics, enabling quicker and more accurate assessments for a wide range of health conditions.

In this season, we are taking an in-depth look at Innovations in drug-delivery devices, and this episode will focus specifically on designing drug-delivery pumps, and particularly, the drive assembly of modern drug pumps. My guest today is Peter van Beek, Business Development Manager – Medical at maxon. He will talk to us about the unique drive assembly challenges different types that drug-delivery pumps present and how to mitigate those challenges.

In this season, we are taking an in-depth look the future of drug delivery technology. In this episode, we will examine the drug-delivery innovations that will shape the landscape and improve therapeutic outcomes for patients in the future. My guest today is Bob Barrett, Vice President of Systems Engineering at Full Spectrum. He will talk to us about some of these emerging trends and advancements in drug delivery.

In this season, we are taking an in-depth look at Innovations in Drug-Delivery Devices, and this episode will focus specifically on Pens and Autoinjectors as Drug-Delivery Options. My guest today is Iain Simpson, Director of the Global Pharma Segment for Phillips Medisize. He will talk to us about how these devices can provide convenience, accuracy, and improved adherence and how these devices will affect the future of drug delivery.

This podcast examines the transformative journey of drug-delivery devices, from microneedles to nanoparticle-based delivery and controlled-release systems. My guest today is Dr. Robert Langer, the David H. Kock Institute Professor at MIT. He will talk to us about the evolution of precision in administering medications for enhanced patient experience.

In this season, we are taking an in-depth look at Printed Health: Transforming Medicine with Advanced Manufacturing, and this episode will focus specifically on AI’s Role in Medtech Manufacturing. My guest today is Francisco Almada Lobo, CEO of Critical Manufacturing. He will talk to us about how AI is optimizing manufacturing efficiency, quality control, and supply chain management.

This episode will focus specifically on Robotics and Cobots in Medical Device Production. My guest today is Tyler Bouchard, CEO & Co-founder of Flexxbotics. He will talk to us about how these advanced technologies are transforming the production of medical devices, providing increased efficiency and quality in the production process.

In this season, we are taking an in-depth look at Printed Health: Transforming Medicine with Advanced Manufacturing, and this episode will focus specifically on Overcoming Challenges in Material Selection for 3D Printed Medical Devices. My guest today is Dr. Matthew DiPrima Materials Scientist, Division of Applied Mechanics, Office of Science and Engineering Laboratories in the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health. He will talk to us about the challenges of achieving biocompatibility, meeting medical-grade standards, and navigating the regulatory landscape for certification for 3D printed devices.

In this season, we are taking an in-depth look at Printed Health: Transforming Medicine with Advanced Manufacturing, and this episode will focus specifically on The Landscape of 3D Printing in Healthcare. My guest today is Dr. Scott Hollister, professor of Biomedical Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology. He will talk to us about the latest innovations, emerging technologies, and the impact of 3D printing on the healthcare landscape.

In this season, we are taking an in-depth look at The Role of Robotics — and Robots — in Healthcare, and this episode will focus specifically on The Human Touch: Ethical Considerations in Healthcare Robotics. My guest today is Keith Abney, a lecturer in the philosophy department at California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo and a member of CalPoly’s Ethics + Emerging Sciences Group. He will help us explore the ethical implications of integrating robots into healthcare, discussing topics such as patient trust, privacy concerns, and the balance between human and robotic interaction in caregiving.

In this season, we are taking an in-depth look at The Role of Robotics — and Robots — in Healthcare, and this episode will focus specifically on Automating Healthcare: The Role of Robots. My guest today is Hao Su, Director of the Lab of Biomechatronics and Intelligent Robotics at North Carolina State University. He will talk to us about how robots are being utilized for tasks in clinics and hospitals, from delivering medications to managing inventory and performing tasks such as taking blood pressure, all to streamline operations and improve efficiency.

This episode focuses specifically on Advances and Innovations in Assistive Robotics. My guest today is Robert Kay, President and CEO of Elite Engineering and Elite Robotics. He will help us dive into the advances and innovations in assistive robotics that are helping patients with disabilities, supporting rehabilitation, and helping healthcare professionals better treat their patients.

This episode will focus specifically on Surgical Precision: Robotics in the Operating Room. My guest today is Dr. Michael Yip, Director of the Advanced Robotics and Controls Laboratory at the University of California San Diego. He will introduce us to current innovations in surgical robotics and will help us understand how robotic-assisted surgeries are transforming procedures, enhancing precision, and minimizing invasiveness.

In this season, we are taking an in-depth look at medical-grade wearables. Nick Annetta, senior electrical engineer at Priority Designs talks to us about advances such as miniaturization that have led to the evolution of wearable devices. We will explore how these innovations are reshaping the future of healthcare, making treatments more precise, portable, and patient-friendly than ever before.