The role of industrial microfocus CT in medical device research and development

Industrial microfocus computed tomography (µCT) enables nondestructive, high-resolution three-dimensional imaging at the micrometer scale and has been widely used in various industrial fields. However, its practical utility in medical device research and development (R&D) has not been systematically evaluated. Here, we investigated the applicability of µCT in medical device R&D by categorizing its use into two domains: device–device interactions and device–tissue interactions. For device–device interactions, µCT was applied to endoscopic forceps plugs and laparoscopic port cleaning devices to assess internal structural relationships during device operation. For device–tissue interactions, µCT was applied to rectal/uterine clamping devices, magnesium implants, and endoscopic mucosal closure devices to evaluate tissue responses and device-induced structural changes. Across these applications, µCT enabled nondestructive, high-resolution visualization of internal structural relationships that were difficult to assess using conventional methods. In device–device interaction analyses, µCT delineated contact configurations and deformation behavior within assembled devices under operational conditions. In device–tissue interaction analyses, µCT enabled visualization and three-dimensional quantification of subtle device-induced tissue deformation, as well as small gas collections and interfacial microvoids. These findings indicate that industrial µCT represents a useful preclinical evaluation approach in medical device R&D and support both mechanistic understanding of device performance and optimization of medical technologies.