In the medical device industry a lumen is a term used to describe tubing which is typically used to transfer liquids, gases/air or even other cable components such as fiber optics and cameras. Lumens can be manufactured in a variety of configurations and incorporated inside a cable with multiple lumens (multi-lumen).
If you have been to the dentist then you have had experience with lumens. The handpiece used for air and water has lumens within the cable. The suction piece placed in your mouth is a disposable lumen. Other uses for lumens include micro-surgical instruments and pressure transducers. Cables for handheld medical lasers likely contain lumens for cooling. Ablating handpiece cables can also contain lumens for irrigation and suctioning.
Lumens are not limited to the medical cable industry. Lumens are used in many industries and are often called other names such as tubing or hose.
Other industries using lumens include:
- Industrial
- Automotive
- Instrumentation and sensors
- Automation/ robotic
As products become smaller and more compact and it is more common to see tubing and cable incorporated into one component. A few examples outside the medical industry include hi-tech hand sprayers with electronic controller in handpiece, cables with hydraulic fluid tubes, pressure transducers and air controlled switches.
Often when designing a device or equipment with tubing or lumens a custom cable solution is needed. It is important to tell your cable manufacture as much information as possible about the application and its intended use.
Key information may include:
- Used for fluid, air or other?
- Will it be pressurized?
- Type of fluid or gas?
- Flexibility requirements?
- Bio-compatibility requirements?
The more your cable manufacture knows, the better the design will meet your needs. Working with a cable manufacturer early in your design phase will help to determine tubing size, material and construction to insure your project goes smoothly from the start.
Comments are welcome! Tell us about your lumen application or challenge.
Have a question? For more information on lumens, tubing, or custom cable visit www.calmont.com/
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