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Cardiovascular Catheter Component Technology Design

Cardiac catheter design demands the integration of advanced technology to address complex challenges in miniaturization, signal integrity, power management and manufacturability. These challenges require precise solutions that ensure both reliability and patient safety. Molex delivers innovative microfabrication techniques, high-density interconnects and optimized power solutions to develop cutting-edge medical devices that help improve patient outcomes.

Advanced Solutions for Cardiovascular Catheter Design


Cardiologists see potential in smaller-diameter catheters for less invasive procedures and easier navigation of complex vascular pathways. At the same time, they look for precise, high-resolution imaging for safer and more effective insertions and investigations. And like all critical medical devices, cardiovascular catheters need to perform consistently, without failure. 

To improve upon cardiac catheter design, engineers require compact connectors that minimize the size and weight of the device without sacrificing performance; high-efficiency optical fibers and waveguides to transmit light with minimal loss and heat generation; and in-parallel, low-power electronics with advanced power management integrated circuits (ICs) to conserve battery life. 

Molex delivers high-density interconnect solutions, advanced optical fibers and low-power electronic designs that make these improvements possible. The precise impedance matching and high-quality materials in Molex connectivity solutions help to realize new levels of signal integrity, advancing miniaturization, imaging resolution and the overall reliability of cardiac catheter systems.


Connectors and Interconnect Solutions for Cardiac Catheters


Miniaturization and space optimization techniques create more compact, lighter-weight catheters that minimize invasiveness and improve maneuverability within delicate vascular structures. Molex offers advanced connectors and interconnect solutions that meet the exacting requirements of miniaturized medical devices. High-density, precision-engineered components deliver reliable performance in space-constrained applications and provide the flexibility demanded by catheter movement, while maintaining the strength and durability necessary for medical environments. 

  Pitch Circuits  Current (Max. Derating) Potting Capable
Micro-Lock Plus 1.25mm 2 to 16 (single row)
8 to 42 (dual row)
3.6A X
2.00mm 2 to 16 4.7A  
  Pitch Mated Height Circuits Current
SlimStack Connectors 0.35 to 1.25mm 0.60 to 16.00mm 6 to 240 15.0A
FFC / FPC Connectors 0.20 to 2.00mm   2 to 120  

Flexible Printed Circuits

To overcome the challenges of miniaturization and space constraints in cardiovascular catheter design, engineers can utilize Flexible Printed Circuits (FPC). These high-density interconnects from Molex allow multiple electrical connections to be incorporated within a compact design, optimizing space while improving overall cardiac catheter functionality.

Optical Components for Cardiovascular Catheters


For cardiologists to gain clear and accurate results, device output needs to be free from interference that can distort images and skew readings. Ideally, cardiovascular catheters should achieve reliable signal integrity across the entire length of the device. Advanced optical components from Molex, including high-efficiency optical fibers and waveguides, maximize light transmission with minimal loss. These components are engineered with high-quality optical materials to optimize clarity and reduce signal degradation, producing sharper images and improved diagnostic capabilities in catheter-based procedures.

  Mode Routing Connector Type
Optical Flex Circuits Singlemode, Multimode, Hybrid Standard, 3D MTP, HBMT, MXC, LC, SC

Optical Components and Modules

To meet the demands of high-resolution imaging in cardiac catheter design, engineers rely on Molex optical components and modules. These technologies support rapid data transmission, providing real-time visualization and detailed analysis of the cardiovascular system during procedures, enhancing both precision and efficiency.

Custom Fiber Optic Assemblies and Bundles

For high-resolution imaging in cardiovascular catheter development, Molex Custom Fiber Optic Assemblies and Bundles offer outstanding optical clarity. These assemblies ensure precise, detailed imaging, improving the visualization of the cardiovascular system and supporting better procedural outcomes.

Power Solutions in Cardiac Catheter Technology


Designers of cardiac catheters employ low-power electronics to minimize heat generation and reduce power consumption — both critical issues for maintaining device performance and patient safety.  Molex provides innovative power solutions that enhance low-power designs, ensuring efficient power delivery to all of the integrated components within the catheter for a wide range of connectivity needs.

  Pitch Circuits Wire Gauge Current Voltage
PicoClasp Connectors 1.00mm 2 to 50   2.0A  
PicoBlade Connectors 1.25mm 2 to 15 32 to 26 AWG     
Nano-Fit Power Connectors 2.50mm   26 to 20 AWG  Up to 8.0A 250V
Micro-Fit Connectors 3.00mm   30 to 18 AWG Up to 10.5A 600V
Mini-Fit Connectors 4.20mm   28 to 14 AWG Up to 13.0A 600V
Mega-Fit Connectors 5.70mm   16 to 10 AWG Up to 30.0A 600V

Cable Assemblies for Cardiovascular Catheters


When designing cardiovascular catheters, engineers look to maintain signal integrity by reducing both internal and external interference and minimizing signal loss. Molex cable assemblies are designed with advanced shielding to guard against EMI and RFI, ensuring consistent and clear signal transmission. Additionally, high-quality materials and precision manufacturing in connectivity solutions prevent signal degradation, promoting reliable and accurate data transfer along the entire length of cable.

Microminiature Cable

For design engineers facing signal integrity challenges in cardiovascular catheter applications, microminiature cables from Molex deliver reliable signal transmission while minimizing loss, providing optimal electrical performance and dependable data transfer in compact medical devices.

Custom Cable Assembly Solutions

Providing design engineers with the ability to fine-tune signal integrity in cardiac catheters. Molex customized cable assembly solutions improve signal transmission and data quality by minimizing losses and optimizing electrical performance.

Sensors for Cardiac Catheter Design


Accurate sensor output is a critical objective in cardiovascular catheter development, where engineers must address temperature variations and define precision levels. Molex's pre-calibrated negative temperature coefficient (NTC) sensors eliminate the need for calibration, delivering reliable temperature measurements with higher performance than standard alternatives due to their precise manufacturing tolerances.

  Operating Temperature Beta Range Resistance Range 
NTC Ring Temperature Sensor Cable Assemblies -40 to +105°C (with connector), -40 to +150°C (with leads) 3K to 5K 1K to 100K Ohms

Cardiovascular Catheter Enclosure Solutions


Protective enclosures on cardiovascular catheters should be designed for ease of manufacturing to improve production efficiency, using biocompatible materials that meet strict medical regulatory standards for patient care. Phillips Medisize, a Molex company, assists medical device designers in streamlining production processes, selecting materials and achieving final product compliance.  

Medical-Grade Molding and Overmolding Solutions

Phillips Medisize tackles the challenges of quality and consistency in cardiovascular catheter development with rigorous process controls and thorough quality assurance measures. A portfolio of medical-grade molding and overmolding solutions helps to provide reliable component performance while adhering to global regulatory standards and safety requirements.