Medical technology can save lives, enable healing, improve medical treatments and contribute to a higher quality of life. Sensors play an important role here. They make medical devices safer, more efficient, more effective and can also simplify operation.
Althen has been developing and manufacturing standardized and customized sensor solutions for over 40 years. We have extensive experience in the design and implementation of force and torque sensors in particular. With our fiber optic sensors, we enable robust, precise pressure and temperature sensor solutions in the micro range. Compared to electronic sensors, fiber optic sensors generally offer several major advantages, such as their insensitivity/immunity to electromagnetic interference and high voltages. They are intrinsically safe, insensitive to lightning strikes and can be designed with extremely small dimensions. More information on fiber optic sensors
Our focus is not only on developing the best technical solution for the measuring task, but also on finding a cost-effective solution that can also be produced in large quantities if necessary. Every application is different and has its own specific requirements. Whether sensor size or design: our experts adapt all fiber optic sensors specifically to your needs and also take on complex measurement tasks for you.
We offer sensors and measurement systems for the medical branch. You will find them in applications such as:
With the help of force transducers, the patient trays can be precisely controlled and moved into the MRI machine (magnetic resonance tomograph) with the right amount of force. This allows the patients to be positioned precisely for the required images.
Torque transducers can be used for the safe adjustment of head and foot sections on patient couches as well as for determining the position of the radiation arm or the position of the CT scanner (computer tomography).
Sensors are used in a wide variety of places to detect the distance, angle and inclination of tables for diagnosis, therapy and patient positioning. Position sensors are often used to detect and control height and inclination.
Advanced pressure guidewires for the assessment of vasoconstrictions, e.g. in the coronary arteries. These are controlled by patented fiber optic sensors to measure physiological indices, including fractional flow reserve (FFR) and diastolic pressure ratio (dPR).
Fiber optic measurement technology for precise pressure measurement during minimally invasive insertion of a temporary heart pump.
Fiber optic temperature sensors for accurate and safe measurement of tissue temperature in an MRI environment during laser ablation of brain tumors.
At Althen you will find a wide range of joysticks for medical devices, e.g. for controlling operating tables, hospital beds, patient beds or other medical devices. patient beds or other medical equipment. Our joysticks are customizable and at the same time offer high reliability, safety and stability.
The SmartBed contains sensors that register the position and presence or absence of the patient. The bed also detects whether a patient is sitting on the edge of the bed or whether they have turned. This minimizes false alarms and reduces the workload for staff.