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Provide batteries for a wide range of medical devices

Many computerized medical devices and diagnostic devices operate on battery power or have battery backup features in case of a power outage. Keep a medical device list of the batteries used in each device to help customers replace their batteries easily when needed.

I recommend: BFM Wholesale stocks batteries for a wide selection of hearing aids. BatteryWholesale.com offers batteries for a vast range of wheelchairs and personal scooters.

Stock replacement parts and accessories for medical devices being used long term

Personal medical devices that are used regularly often have disposal components and/or parts that need to be replaced over time. Offer replacement tubing, cuffs, masks, pads and other device parts and supplies to ensure your customers won't need to look elsewhere.

I recommend: Stock replacement tubing, filters and connectors for nebulizers from Independence Medical. It offers supplies compatible with medical devices made by Allegiance, Vital Signs and other well known medical device companies. Sell glucose test strips to meet your diabetic customers' needs. Medical Supply Group offers strips by Trueread, Accu-Chek, Ascensia, Advocate and several other major medical device producers.

Look to sell extra accessories and supplies that add comfort to medical devices

While most medical devices help to improve the lives of their users, comfort and style are not always taken care of. Supplies designed to make devices more comfortable, easy-to-use and fun, especially for children, should not be overlooked. Keep some of these amenities in stock to keep your customers comfortable and happy.

I recommend: Southeast Medical Supply offers a selection of replacement blood pressure cuffs that fit a range of sizes to ensure the most comfortable fit. Pediatric Supplier provides a wide range of fun and colorful compressor nebulizer supplies and accessories for young patients. Contact the company for wholesale pricing options.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Stock various sizes of supplies for medical devices such as arm cuffs, braces and walkers to accommodate everyone from children to bariatric patients.

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Check the latest products from several medical device companies

Keep your small business up to date with the latest in medical devices available to the consumer. Informedix offers a computerized system that dispenses medications at the proper time in the home. The system also has medication information and calls an internet phone number to update the medication information. Nurses or family members can use the system at home.

I recommend: View an online demo and download the sales brochure for the Informedix computerized medication system

Carry a line of electrotherapy medical devices to increase sales

Electrotherapy devices include TENS units for pain relief, home massage equipment and acupressure devices. Medical devices for therapy also include heating pads incorporated into electronic massage devices.

I recommend: Compare the features of different TENS units online

Offer customers a high quality line of new and refurbished medical devices

Many medical devices are refurbished by certified technicians and are under warranty. This is a great option for selling to those who otherwise couldn't afford a new medical device. Many small businesses also accept old medical devices and trade them in for their customers and/or apply a discount for the trade in.

I recommend: Buy, sell or trade new or refurbished medical devices online

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Ask the medical sales rep that normally visits your store if they have medical devices to offer.
• •  Offer to show customers how each medical device works, how it will benefit them and ease of use.

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Research medical devices that help people improve their health

Offer personal medical devices that help individuals keep their health under control. Blood pressure monitors and glucose meters track vital changes, while medical alert devices are used to notify paramedics in case of emergency.

I recommend: Learn about medical alert devices like the ones offered by Life Station that allow seniors and people living alone to notify emergency personnel immediately in case of a fall or emergency situation. Use blood pressure monitors and diagnostic equipment from Omron. This medical device manufacturer is one of the most reputable names in healthcare.

Consider computerized medical devices for patients with special needs

Carry computerized medical devices such as TENS units, oxygen units, MRI and EKG machines for clients that require specific monitoring or continuous treatment. These devices are used in hospitals for chronically or critically ill patients, but can also be used at home. These machines are often used by patients with cystic fibrosis, congestive heart failure or chronic asthma or pain conditions.

I recommend: Work with medical device producers that supply both devices for personal use and medical devices for hospital and nursing home use, like Drive Medical. The company provides mobility and daily living aids, but also carries diagnostic and MRI equipment for nursing use. Body Clock offers TENS units and EMS units, which are used in hospitals for acute pain treatment, for home use.

Find companies that produce a wide range of medical devices

Dealing with companies that cover the spectrum of medical devices from motorized wheelchairs to nebulizers will help your business maintain a wider customer base and help you stay abreast of important industry changes and developments.

I recommend: Work with a well-known medical devices company that offer a selection as varied as that of Devilbiss. The company is an industry leader for compressors and nebulizers. Invacare is a respected name in healthcare that offers everything from pulse oximeters to walkers and mobility aids.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Keep a medical device list with weight capacities, battery size, and other important details to keep track of the necessary accessories for each medical device.

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Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH)

The Center for Devices and Radiological Health is an organization committed to ensuring medical device safety and effectiveness through various methods. Important services the CDRH provides include the publishing of medical device recalls, setting and enforcing medical device manufacturing performance standards and regulations and providing technical assistance to medical device manufacturers.

I recommend: Search through the Center for Devices and Radiological Health website to learn more about the organization and the medical device-related services it offers.

Class I medical devices

Class I medical devices represents one of three categories of instruments defined by the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FD&CA). Class I devices are considered to pose the lowest threat to both the person using the device and the patient, and are only subject to general controls. Examples of Class I devices include stethoscopes, forceps and surgical scalpels.

I recommend: Visit the FDA website to learn more about Class I, Class II and Class III medical devices.

Piezoelectric effect

The piezoelectric effect, discovered in the late 1800s, refers to an electrical charge that exists in certain materials when force or stress is applied (direct effect), or the change in shape of materials that are electrically charged (indirect effect).

I recommend: At at the Medical Design Technology website, learn more about the piezoelectric effect and how very small piezo motors are shaping the design of new medical devices.

Pulse oximeter

A pulse oximeter is a noninvasive, photoelectric device used to measure the oxygen saturation of a person's arterial blood. The device incorporates a sensor that's usually attached to a finger, ear or toe.

I recommend: Go to the World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists website for more information on pulse oximeters and how they're used.

Coronary artery stent

A coronary artery stent is a slotted or mesh-like tube that's mounted on a balloon catheter and designed to help keep the coronary artery open after the balloon's removal during a balloon angioplasty.

I recommend: Learn more about how coronary artery stents are employed in the article at CardiologySite.com.

Hemoclips

Hemoclips are surgical clips that come in different sizes and are used to clamp off bleeding vessels.

I recommend: Read about the successful use of hemoclips in treatment for upper gastrointestinal bleeding at the Gastroenterological Association website.