Resource Centre

Discover a wealth of knowledge and insights from the experts at StarFish Medical. Our Resource Centre offers product development tips, reviews of new and cutting-edge technologies, and in-depth articles on regulatory updates and compliance in medical device development.

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  • X-ray image of a human chest showing bones in high contrast. A visible electronic device, likely a pacemaker or implant, is located in the upper left chest area. A bold red arrow points to the device with a label in black and white text reading “definitely not bone.”

    Why Barium Sulfate Is a MedTech Powerhouse

    Mark and Ariana explore the surprising versatility of barium sulfate—a material used widely in both diagnostic procedures and medical device manufacturing. While many recognize it as the contrast agent you drink before an X-ray, it’s also a key additive that enhances plastic components across the healthcare industry.

  • Gloved hand holding a test tube filled with red liquid, with a large red arrow pointing at the tube on a blue gradient background.

    Alzheimer’s Blood Test for Early Detection

    We explore a groundbreaking shift in how Alzheimer’s disease may soon be diagnosed. Instead of relying on invasive spinal taps or costly PET scans, researchers have developed a blood test that detects key proteins associated with the disease—offering a more accessible and patient-friendly screening method.

  • A bearded man in a denim shirt uses a handheld breathalyzer device. To the left, bold text reads: "How Breath Testing REALLY works," with the word "REALLY" emphasized in bright purple.

    Breath Testing in Medical Devices: From Impairment to Gut Health

    We explore how breath testing in medical devices is transforming diagnostics. Mark Drlik walks through how this technology supports everything from roadside impairment detection to gastrointestinal analysis.

  • A transparent capsule-shaped ingestible medical device is shown on the right, revealing internal electronics, circuits, and components. On the left, bold purple text reads “Ingestible Medical Devices” against a clean white background.

    Ingestible Capsules: Future of GI Diagnostics and Drug Delivery

    Mark Drlik and Ariana Wilson introduce the fascinating world of ingestible capsules—tiny, swallowable medical devices that are revolutionizing gastrointestinal health monitoring and targeted therapy.

  • A gloved hand holds a syringe near the palm of another hand, which has a white grid drawn on it. The needle is poised to inject at the intersection of the lines. The background is plain white, drawing focus to the skin and procedural markings.

    Precision in Practice: Exploring Esthetic Drug Delivery

    While most people think of Botox as a simple beauty treatment, there’s a surprising amount of engineering, anatomy, and precision behind the process.

  • A close-up view of a transparent smart bandage with an embedded microchip adhered to human skin. The circuit lines are visible on the bandage surface. Overlay text reads “Theranostic? Smart Bandages” with “Theranostic?” in bold purple and “Smart Bandages” in bold black, set against a soft blue and skin-toned background.

    What Is a Theranostic Wound Dressing?

    A theranostic wound dressing does more than cover a cut—it actively detects infection and delivers targeted treatment.

  • A laboratory or engineering workstation featuring a high-precision stereo microscope mounted on an articulated arm, positioned beside two computer monitors displaying 3D CAD models or imaging of a complex mechanical or biomedical device. The workspace also includes a keyboard, mouse, and a metallic container, all situated on a clean white desk in a dimly lit, modern lab environment.

    Computational Modelling and Simulation in Medical Device Development

    In a sophisticated world of ever increasing complexity, we need our tools to evolve alongside us and assist in complex decision making, allowing us to understand the consequences of choices ahead. Computational Modelling and Simulation (CM&S) is emerging as an essential tool in building evidence for medical device development.

  • A man in a blue shirt and glasses, wearing a lapel microphone, smiles while holding a small circular device with wires. Large bold purple text on the left side of the image reads "From Prototype to Impact" against a white background.

    Cystic Fibrosis Therapy Device Uses Voice Coil Technology to Improve Mobility

    In this episode of MedDevice by Design, we follow the development journey of a transformative chest therapy device for cystic fibrosis patients. Host Mark Drlik introduces a voice coil prototype from an early-stage project that would eventually evolve into the Hill-Rom Monarch—a commercial system delivering high-frequency chest wall oscillation therapy.

  • Three engineers are assembling or troubleshooting a large industrial or medical device prototype in a workshop. One person is seated in a wheelchair, another is standing behind the structure, and a third is kneeling on top of the machine for internal access. The workspace includes tools, laptops, electronic parts, and a large diagram of the device on the wall.

    Tips for Chassis Wiring in Medical Device Prototypes

    I routinely engage in the development of prototype medical devices. These prototypes typically incorporate at least one printed circuit board (PCB) installed within a plastic or metal enclosure, featuring numerous connections to external components through various connectors.