In medical technology, long-term reliability and a high level of fault tolerance are crucial.
As an interface specialist, ODU develops and manufactures customized system and standard solutions for medical applications.
Whether for MRI equipment, robotics, catheter or endoscopy – all connectors are designed in accordance with the strictest regulations and applicable standards.
For over 80 years, ODU has been a reliable partner to medical technology companies worldwide.
We support you from prototyping to scalable production with flexible interconnect solutions that ensure reliable performance and seamless integration in increasingly complex catheter designs.
ODU connectors enable reliable, high-performance signal and data transmission in robotic-assisted surgery, ensuring precise control and consistent performance under continuous movement and demanding operating conditions.
ODU enables reliable transmission of high-resolution video, data, and power in advanced endoscopy systems, ensuring consistent image quality and dependable performance in demanding clinical environments.
ODU supports its customers in many ways in complying with the MDR regulations.
The Medical Device Regulation (MDR), as a binding legal standard, places high demands on device manufacturers with regard to production, documentation and, above all, electrical safety.
The IEC 60601 standard contained in the MDR also poses particular technical challenges for manufacturers. Our products stand for consistent failure protection and reliability in everyday medical applications. We create quality in accordance with that standard.
IEC 60601-1 ensures that connectors not only function reliably but also provide protection for patients and users (2MOPP/2MOOP). We develop our products in accordance with IEC 60601-1 to ensure the highest standards of quality and safety in medical technology applications.
IEC 60601-1-2 specifies protection against electromagnetic disturbances (EMC) in medical electrical equipment. This standard ensures that devices are shielded from external electromagnetic interference and do not themselves generate interference that could affect other medical systems. To ensure this, our connectors are also available in shielded versions.
Medical connectors must not only meet strict hygiene requirements, but also be able to withstand regular cleaning and sterilization processes without compromising their functionality or reliability. They are frequently treated with harsh disinfectants or exposed to high temperatures, which is why durable materials and specialized designs are essential to ensure long-term durability.
With customized solutions, we can not only make optimal technical adjustments but also accommodate specific wishes regarding design, functionality, and integration. This results in greater operational efficiency and improved compatibility with existing systems—from the initial concept through to successful implementation.
Silicone overmolding is often the method of choice for medical applications. Not only is the material highly resistant to harsh cleaning agents and disinfectants, but it also provides a seamless and hygienic seal, preventing the penetration of liquids and germs. In addition, the elasticity of the silicone ensures high flexibility and durability.
In medical technology, it comes to the secure and rapid transmission of data. They enable precise signal transmission in imaging procedures such as MRI or endoscopy and ensure the highest level of reliability in everyday clinical practice. Thanks to their immunity to electromagnetic interference and their high bandwidth, they are ideally suited for modern medical applications.
Many well‐known customers put their trust in high‐performance connector solutions from ODU: Whether for clinics, medical, and dental practices or home care, we develop custom solutions of the highest quality.
“In magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), it is imperative that the connectors we use can guarantee a high number of mating cycles while being absolutely non‐magnetic. […] It is especially in cases such as these, when special solutions are needed, that ODU supports us with the necessary technical flexibility and problem‐solving expertise.”
Read more (PDF 137 KB)“Thanks to their extensive experience and expertise in the conceptual design of connectors, we were able to develop an optimized and customized solution with ODU.”
Read more (PDF 244 KB)“When we needed a lightweight connection including cables, we benefited from ODU’s high vertical range of manufacture and expertise in cable assembly.”
Read more (PDF 290 KB)"ODU has met our demand for maximum reliability and safety, as well as ensuring intuitive and safe handling, by providing an optimal solution that perfectly matches our product."
Read more (331 KB)“Brumaba and ODU are similar in many ways. Aside from the fact that both companies are family businesses, it’s our highly meticulous nature and high degree of innovation that bring us together. We want to give our customers the best possible solution and an ideal product.”
MOPP & MOOP, signal and data transmission, cleaning, mating cycles, size, integration and special application requirements are essential for selecting the right connector.
Medical device developers should use fiber based solutions instead of copper when very high data rates, long transmission distances or complete immunity to electromagnetic interference are required.
Custom ODU connector solutions can accelerate the development of medical devices by being optimally tailored to application requirements, reducing integration efforts and thereby shortening development times and time to market.
The size of a medical connector is determined by the required number of contacts as well as the requirements for power, data rate and safety. However, modern miniature connectors enable maximum functionality in the most confined spaces without compromising reliability.
ODU connectors help ensure compliance with IEC 60601 by providing effective protection for patients and operating personnel thanks to special contact arrangement, insulating domes and collars or additional insulating sleeves.
EMC is crucial in medical technology because electromagnetic interference can disrupt critical signals and data. ODU connectors ensure safety and interference-free device operation thanks to effective shielding.
Repeated autoclaving can shorten the service life of medical connectors due to high temperatures, pressure, and humidity. ODU connectors are therefore designed using specially selected materials and robust designs to ensure they continue to function reliably and with high levels of safety even after many sterilization cycles.
The right connector for catheter and minimally invasive applications must be highly reliable, biocompatible, and sterilizable, and must transmit high-voltage signals and data precisely and safely in order to meet the high requirements for performance, safety and reliability.
In MRI systems, connectors must provide high EMC shielding, reliable signal transmission, and non-magnetic materials. ODU also offers special non-magnetic connector variants designed for safety in MRI environments.
In surgical robotic systems, ODU connectors ensure the reliable transmission of energy, data, and control signals even under conditions of motion and vibration. They comply with medical standards such as IEC 60601 and, thanks to their compact, EMC-compliant and hygienic designs, they enable high system performance and reliability.