Plasma medicine is an up-and-coming branch of medical technology. Where conventional treatment methods reach their limits or even have disadvantages, cold atmospheric plasma (KAP) offers excellent potential for applications.
Plasma medicine is a newly coined term and stands for an interdisciplinary subject that combines physics, chemistry, biosciences and medicine: reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), which are produced by the reaction of KAP with ambient air, play a key role in various biological and cellular processes. This enables the application of KAP in the medical field.
With the plasma care® family, bacteria including multi-resistant pathogens, viruses, fungi and spores are inactivated by the cold plasma. At the same time, the cold plasma promotes recovery and supports simple, fast and effective wound healing. This treatment method is also free of allergies and side effects and is also suitable for patients with pacemakers. "plasma care® is already being used in many clinics and surgeries and has been very well received by users," explains Hannes Wachter, Head of R&D at Terraplasma Medical GmbH. This is because the devices are mobile, easy to use and have a wide range of applications in wound treatment. Treatment with plasma care® offers benefits such as effective bacterial reduction, the elimination of multi-resistant germs and the prevention of allergies.
The technology behind plasma care®
- Plasma care® generates cold atmospheric plasma from the ambient air, so no additional carrier gas is required - as is the case with other products.
- The reactive species generated by the plasma cause temporary micropores in the cell membrane of microorganisms and introduce reactive plasma species into the cell that destroy intracellular structures such as DNA through oxidation and double-strand breaks.
- No damage to human cells by the plasma.
Problem/challenge
- Limitations of conventional treatment methods in clinical dermatology and podiatry.
- Need for innovative treatment options for effective wound healing.
- Need for a reliable and efficient method to inactivate bacteria and multi-resistant pathogens.
- Came to Lacon in a prototype test to find series suppliers.
Solution
- Use of cold atmospheric plasma (KAP) for the treatment of chronic, infected and acute wounds.
- Inactivation of bacteria, viruses, fungi and spores by KAP.
- Promotes wound healing and improves the patient's quality of life.
- No allergic reactions or side effects, also suitable for patients with pacemakers.
- With Lacon's expertise and in close and trusting cooperation with Terraplasma, the product was ready for series production.
Manufacturing process and engineering
- Partnership with Lacon Electronic for the production of the devices.
- Lacon brings many years of experience in the construction of medical devices.
- Engineering changes to simplify the manufacturing process and save costs for the customer.
- High-voltage unit as the centrepiece of the device, developed by Terraplasma and built by Lacon.
Production feedback from Lacon helps with engineering
Terraplasma Medical relies on the expertise of Lacon Electronic for device production
The centrepiece of the device is the plasma source. The most sophisticated component of the overall product is built by Lacon. In addition to manufacturing, the electronics specialist also takes care of the procurement of electronics, housings and components and the organisation of the supply chain.
The finished product is also labelled, packaged and sent to the Terraplasma distributors by Lacon. Each device undergoes a 100% quality check in accordance with DIN ISO13485 at the electronics specialist before packaging.
"The collaboration with Terraplasma Medical is always challenging due to the customer's high level of expertise in medical technology, but it is also a good opportunity for our production engineers to contribute their experience. We have learnt a lot from each other and developed an innovative product together," says Patrick Schießl Sales Engineer at Lacon.
Hannes Wachter Head of R&D at Terraplasma Medical confirms: "Our strength is the engineering of the device, we know the medical requirements of KAP therapy inside out. Lacon takes care of the other processes, from purchasing to production and dispatch. Lacon also contributed its manufacturing expertise during the development process and gave us valuable feedback."
- Challenging but successful collaboration between Terraplasma Medical and Lacon.
- Development of an innovative product that helps patients and improves their quality of life.
- Lacon as the perfect production partner with ISO 13485 certification and extensive expertise in medical technology.
- Successful market launch with already 1,000 units of the new plasma care® generation since the beginning of the year.
- The collaboration was characterised by respectful appreciation at eye level, and the assembly was problem-free.
Conclusion
Partnership for innovative medical technology
Lacon is working closely with Terraplasma Medical to produce the new generation of plasma care® devices. This innovative technology uses cold atmospheric plasma to treat wounds by creating micropores in the cell membrane of microorganisms.
Thanks to the collaboration with Lacon, the new devices have been designed to be more energy-efficient and user-friendly. Lacon is contributing its manufacturing expertise to optimise the production process and reduce costs.
The collaboration between Terraplasma Medical and Lacon Electronic enables the development and production of high-quality medical devices that help to significantly improve patient care.
Cold plasma is used for disinfection or sterilisation, among other things.
It is also possible to modify surfaces, e.g. to influence their adhesion properties.
However, the use in the medical technology sector, water and air purification and agriculture should be emphasised.
Proof of DIN EN ISO 13485 demonstrates that the legal requirements of the MDR and IVDR for a quality management system are fulfilled.
Virtually all services required for the development and production of a medical technology device can be provided by the EMS company - and therefore by a single point of contact.
