Ultrasonics Clean Semiconductor Components for Heart Pacemakers

Implants used in medical procedures are subject to extremely high standards of cleanliness and sterilization.

Traditional cleaning methods including manual cleaning, using parts washers and steam sterilization are often not effective for implants using new technology. Semiconductors are fragile and sensitive to heat; thus, they could be damaged from the traditional cleaning methods or excess heat.

Ultrasonics provide an attractive alternative to the traditional cleaning methods.  Medical ultrasonic cleaners can clean implants with complex shapes and crevices, heat-sensitive semiconductor parts and other medical devices to achieve cleanliness and sterilization standards without damaging fragile components.

Ultrasonic cleaners use the scrubbing action of microscopic cavitation bubbles in the cleaning solution to clean parts quickly and effectively. An ultrasonic generator produces a high-frequency electric signal, and an ultrasonic transducer converts the signal to sound waves in the cleaning solution. As the sound waves travel past the parts to be cleaned, they generate the tiny bubbles. The bubbles form and collapse in tune with the ultrasonic frequency, delivering a powerful scrubbing action against the surfaces of the parts to be cleaned.

While ultrasonic cleaning technology itself removes all traces of contaminants from the parts surfaces, it does not sterilize them. Therefore, a mild disinfectant or solvent can be added to the cleaning solution so that the parts can be cleaned and sterilized in the ultrasonic bath.

Some medical parts are robust with hard surfaces while others may be mechanically fragile or have delicate surfaces. Low frequencies (around 26 kHz) produce comparatively large bubbles with intense cleaning. Higher frequencies, on the other hand, deliver gentler cleaning with smaller bubbles. The frequency used with an medical ultrasonic cleaner needs to be chosen appropriately for the application to produce the right cleaning intensity.  Kaijo works with medical equipment manufacturers to provide expert guidance on using the right frequency and system for the specific application.

Read our newest article, Ultrasonic Clean Semiconductor Components for Heart Pacemakers, to learn more. If you would like to set up a free consultation to discuss your needs, or have questions, contact Kaijo Shibuya at 408-675-5575 or email info@kaijo-shibuya.com.