Sterilizable Electric Motors
The development of sterilizable electric motors was the driver of a motor revolution in the early 1990s. Prior to that time, bulky and noisy pneumatic motors requiring a costly air-supply system reigned supreme in surgical tool applications in the orthopedics and neurological markets. However, the introduction of sterilizable electric motors allowed for the development of compact, quiet, lightweight, wireless, battery-operated hand tools. These features ultimately amounted to the development of more comfortable and less burdensome reusable powered tools that promote ease of use, efficiency, and mobility for surgeons.

(Image of a brushless dc slotted gearmotor provided by Portescap.)

MPMN's Top 25 Breakthroughs of the Past 25 Years Is Sponsored by Norgren Life Sciences.