United States – October 17, 2026 -- Three-quarters of medical technology companies surveyed by AdvaMed report memory chip constraints, and 88 percent have seen price increases, as data-center demand squeezes supply of components used in 75 percent to 80 percent of medtech products (excluding personal protective equipment and consumables).
Survey shows allocation limits and procurement uncertainty across medtech
Beyond the 75 percent and 88 percent figures, 63 percent of respondents reported supplier allocation challenges or limited availability of specific components. Another 63 percent are uncertain they can procure enough memory chips, or products containing them, to avoid supply chain disruptions. Fifty-six percent said they are very concerned about overall memory chip supply chain stability.
Shortages span high-speed memory for device software and data processing, flash memory for long-term storage, removable and embedded storage, and mature components that remain in use because regulated medical products have long lifecycles. Industry forecasts cited by AdvaMed indicate supply-demand imbalances may persist well into 2027.
An August 10 New York Times article named medical technology among the industries affected, noting that data-center demand is increasing competition for the same components.
Medtech accounts for only 1 to 2 percent of global memory demand
That small share leaves the sector with little purchasing leverage. Its products are used in imaging and diagnostic systems, patient monitors, infusion pumps, ventilators, and surgical robotics.
Component substitution can take months or years under regulatory rules
Replacing a chip is not a procurement-only decision in medtech. Manufacturers may need engineering assessments, supplier qualification, software or hardware validation, quality-system documentation, risk analysis, and regulatory assessments. Depending on the change, FDA review or authorization may be required before a redesigned product reaches patients.
Companies report that some components now take months longer to obtain than under normal conditions. The delays can halt production, force unplanned redesigns, and complicate long-term product planning.
Prolonged shortages could disrupt continuity of care in hospitals
AdvaMed warns that persistent shortages could complicate clinical decision-making and affect patient outcomes, particularly in high-acuity or resource-constrained settings. Hospitals and health systems already managing constrained resources would face added pressure.
AdvaMed asks suppliers to prioritize health care in allocation
The association is urging memory suppliers to take four steps:
- Prioritize health care during allocation decisions and periods of constrained supply.
- Give earlier visibility into component transitions, product discontinuations, allocation decisions, and expected supply constraints.
- Engage directly with medtech manufacturers on the sector's longer product lifecycles and regulatory, quality, and patient-care obligations.
- Build health care-specific requirements into long-term supply planning and product transition decisions.
AdvaMed argues that medtech's modest memory needs mean targeted supplier action would require only a limited share of overall capacity.