Medical Devices

Medical devices in military medicine include ruggedized diagnostics, physiological monitors, therapeutic delivery systems and procedural adjuncts designed for austere, far-forward and prolonged-field-care environments. Emphasis is on rapid hemorrhage control, reliable vital-sign monitoring, power efficiency, sterilizability, secure telemetry and interoperability with decision-support and evacuation workflows.

Technical Challenges

  • Environmental extremes: shock, dust, temperature swings, moisture and vibration degrade device performance and reliability.

  • Delayed evacuation and prolonged-field-care constraints require devices to operate longer without resupply or specialist support.

  • Physiological complexity of polytrauma, blast injury, hemorrhagic shock and TBI demands rapid, accurate diagnostics and adaptive therapeutics.

  • Interoperability and secure data transmission across tactical networks are limited by bandwidth, cybersecurity and standards gaps.

Emerging Opportunities

  • Compact, sterilizable modular surgical platforms and instrument sets optimized for damage-control procedures outside fixed facilities.

  • Low-power, validated physiological sensors and closed-loop therapies that function reliably through prolonged operations.

  • Rapid, multiplexed point-of-care diagnostics for hemorrhage, infection, coagulopathy and metabolic derangements in austere settings.

  • Materials and surface treatments that resist biofilms, reduce infection risk, and tolerate battlefield decontamination procedures.

Current and Emerging Technologies in Medical Devices

Point‑of‑Care (POC) Diagnostics

Rapid molecular and immunoassay platforms, handheld blood analyzers and microfluidic tests that detect coagulopathy, sepsis biomarkers, and battlefield-relevant pathogens at the point of injury.

Wearable and Continuous Physiologic Monitoring

Low-power sensors for continuous blood pressure, ECG, oxygenation, and perfusion indices, with algorithms for early detection of shock and integration with telemedicine links for remote clinical decision support.

Hemorrhage Control and Resuscitation Devices

Advanced tourniquets, topical hemostats, portable blood-warming and transfusion adjuncts, and REBOA-compatible tools designed for rapid hemorrhage control in prehospital and far-forward environments.

Portable Imaging and Modular Surgical Platforms

Compact ultrasound, mobile X‑ray and modular instrument kits that enable damage-control surgery, guided procedures and wound assessment where traditional OR infrastructure is unavailable.

Ruggedization, Power and Antimicrobial Materials

Battery-optimized electronics, energy harvesting, IP-rated housings, antimicrobial coatings and decontamination-tolerant materials that extend device lifetime and reduce infection risk in combat settings.

Importance to Military Medicine

Improve Combat Casualty Survival

Immediate diagnosis and hemorrhage control at point of injury reduce preventable death and time to lifesaving interventions.

Enable Prolonged and Distributed Care

Devices that sustain physiologic monitoring and deliver therapies extend capability during delayed evacuation or in austere clinics.

Operate in Austere Environments

Rugged, user‑centric design ensures devices function under environmental stressors and limited logistic support.

Maintain Force Readiness

Early detection and management of infectious disease, trauma and functional deficits preserve unit effectiveness and reduce long-term disability.

Alignment with the MTEC Mission

Directly supports MTEC’s mission to accelerate military-relevant biomedical innovations into real-world use by prioritizing rapid prototyping, DoD-relevant validation, and transitions to fielded capability.

Enables dual-use impact—solutions validated for Warfighters often translate to civilian trauma, rural medicine and disaster response.

Aligns with MTEC priorities for multidisciplinary consortia, combining engineering, clinical validation and regulatory pathways to shorten fielding timelines.

Dual-Use (Military + Civilian) Applications

Combat: point-of-injury hemorrhage control, triage and resuscitation; Forward surgical teams: damage-control procedures; Prolonged-field-care: long-duration monitoring and therapy; Civilian: EMS, rural hospitals, disaster and pandemic response.

Explore MTEC Members with Medical Devices Capabilities

MTEC members bring complementary strengths—military clinical insight, bioengineering, manufacturing scale-up, regulatory expertise and clinical trial networks—that accelerate device maturation and deployment. Explore member profiles to identify partners with device design, ruggedization, POC validation and transition-to-field experience.

104 Members with Medical Devices capabilities.

Member
The University of Texas System

The University of Texas System is a leading public university system in the United States, dedicated to improving lives through education, health care, and research. With over 256,000 students enrolled across 14 institutions, the UT System is committed to providing affordable access to higher education and producing a skilled workforce to drive Texas's economy.

Member
Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern University is a vibrant institution with over 26,100 students across three campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, and Hinesville. The university offers 132 degree programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate levels, emphasizing student success, community impact, and research excellence. With a commitment to inclusivity and engagement, Georgia Southern fosters a supportive environment for diverse learners, including military-affiliated and adult students. The university is dedicated to transforming lives through education and community engagement, aligning its programs with regional needs. Additionally, Georgia Southern provides accelerated pathways for students to fast-track their master's degrees, enhancing educational opportunities. The university also emphasizes career readiness and public impact research, preparing students for successful careers and contributing to community development.

Member
Teleflex

Teleflex is a global provider of medical technologies designed to improve the health and quality of people's lives. The company focuses on purpose-driven innovation to empower healthcare professionals and enhance patient outcomes across various medical fields.

Member
The University of Texas at San Antonio

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research, teaching, and community engagement. As a premier public research university, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a catalyst for socioeconomic development, providing access to educational excellence and preparing citizen leaders for the global environment.

Member
Auburn University

Auburn University Research & Economic Development is dedicated to advancing research and economic growth through a collaborative effort among its various colleges and departments. The organization focuses on fostering innovation, supporting faculty and student research, and facilitating partnerships with industry and government to address societal challenges and enhance the quality of life. Recent initiatives include the launch of the Team Science Series to promote interdisciplinary collaboration and the development of the Gulf Coast Engineering Research Station to address coastal environmental challenges.

Member
Ethos Solutions LLC

Ethos Solutions specializes in rapid problem solving in dynamic environments through the Ethos IDEALs (Identification, Define, Engagement, Alignment, and Leveraging). Ethos leverages module working groups (or cells) consisting of Subject Matter Expert (SMEs) clinicians, training cadre, warriors, academics, and researchers able to rapidly identify and solve problem sets that require a grounded approach forged in austere and dynamic environments.

Member
Institute for Integrative & Innovative Research (I³R) at University of Arkansas

The Institute for Integrative & Innovative Research (I³R) at the University of Arkansas is dedicated to pioneering solutions to wicked problems and societal challenges through convergence research. With a mission to advance research excellence and stimulate economic development, I³R focuses on deploying innovations at scale through collaboration across various sectors, including academia, industry, and government.

Member
The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston

UTMB is dedicated to supporting research, education, and scholarly endeavors, with a focus on creating the future of healthcare through innovative research and community engagement.

Member
The University of Chicago

The University of Chicago is a prestigious urban research university committed to rigorous inquiry and intellectual freedom. Founded in 1890, it has produced numerous Nobel laureates and is known for its transformative education and groundbreaking research across various fields. The university fosters an inclusive and diverse learning environment, encouraging participation from all community members.

Member
Harmac

Harmac is a global contract design and manufacturing organization specializing in single-use medical devices. With over four decades of experience, Harmac provides comprehensive services including product design and development, advanced manufacturing, automation, value engineering, quality assurance, and packaging and sterilization. The company is known for its operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and commitment to sustainability and community engagement. Harmac operates facilities across the United States, Ireland, and Mexico, supporting customers worldwide and across a range of clinical applications. ISO 13485 Certified and FDA Registered.

Member
Telesair, Inc.

Telesair, Inc. develops, engineers, and manufactures non-invasive respiratory care devices focused on high flow oxygen therapy for hospital and long-term care. Their technology integrates real-time sensor monitoring, automated alarm and safety systems, and user interface solutions. The company adheres to global regulatory standards, quality assurance, and infection control protocols to support safe, effective respiratory therapy for both adults and children.

Member
Boston University

Boston University is a major research institution committed to leading breakthroughs across various disciplines. The Office of Research supports and advances research excellence, fostering collaboration among researchers, industry partners, and government leaders to address significant societal challenges.

Member
Baylor University

Baylor University is a preeminent Christian research university committed to addressing the world's most meaningful challenges through top-tier research and scholarship. Recognized as an R1 research institution, Baylor focuses on infusing its distinct Christian mission into its research initiatives, fostering a commitment to excellence and innovation.

Member
CA Analytical Testing Services

CA Analytical Testing Services is an FDA inspected contract laboratory and drug development partner providing integrated analytical, microbiological, formulation, and CMC support across the product lifecycle. We can integrate directly into development programs to provide analytical method development, microbiological support, formulation and characterization activities, and problem-solving throughout early- and late-stage development. Beyond laboratory testing, CA Analytical can support broader drug and medical device programs through CDMO selection and qualification, technology transfer, third-party quality and manufacturing oversight, regulatory support, QC release testing, and stability programs. Our team can function as an extension of a sponsor's internal development and quality organization, helping coordinate technical activities across multiple external partners. CA Analytical is also building an internal drug product portfolio that includes small-molecule and liposomal formulations. We are particularly interested in partnering with organizations developing novel or alternative drug-delivery technologies that can be combined with existing or emerging therapeutics to improve delivery, durability, usability, and ultimately advance medicines toward clinical application.

Member
Exponent

Exponent is a multidisciplinary science and engineering consulting firm serving sectors including healthcare, energy, manufacturing, and consumer products. From medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and supplements to digital health and wearables, we deliver rigorous science that quantifies impacts on human health. Exponent helps you push the envelope on the development, deployment, safety, and effectiveness of cutting-edge drugs, devices, and diagnostics — concomitantly balancing benefits and risks. Count on our multidisciplinary, data-driven, evidence-based assessments to give you clarity on your most complex product needs and challenges. With lives on the line, innovations that support healthcare demand the highest levels of scientific rigor. Whether you’re developing a novel drug, a sturdier stent, or a faster flu test, you need clear answers to complex questions, quickly. Exponent supports our life sciences clients across the total product lifecycle by solving critical design, regulatory, safety, and market access challenges. We can collaborate with you throughout your journey, helping you navigate risks and opportunities — and optimize outcomes — with science-based strategies and specialized expertise.

Member
PPD

PPD, a clinical research business of Thermo Fisher Scientific, is a leading provider of global contract research organization (CRO) solutions. The company is dedicated to helping clients accelerate the development of life-changing therapies through comprehensive drug development, laboratory, and lifecycle services. With a commitment to operational excellence and innovative technology, PPD empowers its customers to bring therapies to market faster and improve patient health. PPD has been recognized as an industry leader in clinical development digital transformation services and patient engagement digital transformation. With over 30 years of clinical leadership and a workforce of more than 30,000 employees globally, PPD has conducted over 2,100 trials in the past five years.

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NIRSense

Rugged Physiological Monitoring for the Modern Warfighter: NIRSense

Under MTEC-21-10-NavyMultiTopic, NIRSense is advancing its tactical jet physiological monitoring technology for broader Navy applications. The project focuses on ruggedized, wireless physiological sensors that can provide reliable, real-time insight into warfighter health and performance in demanding operational environments.

Safi Biotherapeutics

Next-Generation Manufactured Red Blood Cells for Extended Battlefield Blood Supply: Safi Biotherapeutics

Safi Biotherapeutics is developing manufactured red blood cells (mRBCs) with extended shelf life to improve battlefield transfusion readiness and emergency trauma care.

Non-Invasive Glymphatic (GF) Monitoring and Recovery Optimization for Warfighter Cognitive Readiness

Applied Cognition is developing non-invasive glymphatic monitoring and recovery technologies to enhance warfighter cognitive readiness, resilience, and sleep recovery.

Moberg Analytics

Moberg Analytics – Advanced Brain Monitoring & Critical Care Informatic

Moberg’s platform unifies brain monitoring data for faster, precise treatment of severe brain injuries in military and civilian care.

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