Product category:
Materials and components
News Release from: Victrex USA | Subject: Peek polymer
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 17 December 2001
Polymer the natural choice for medical
tubing
When Medefab of Jaffrey, NH, USA, a manufacturer of medical device components, was customizing tubing for a new device to cure acid reflux disease, Peek polymer was its material of choice
When Medefab of Jaffrey, NH, USA, a manufacturer of medical device components, was customizing tubing for a new device to cure acid reflux disease, Peek polymer was the material of choice because of its outstanding combination of properties including high temperature and chemical resistance, toughness and strength "The new device is inserted down a patient's throat and relieves the acid reflux by cauterizing the sphincter between the stomach and the esophagus," explains Bob Adam, VP of Sales and Marketing for Medefab
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 31 Dec 2001 at 8.00am (UK)
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"Peek polymer is used in the device's four rectangular tubes, each of which has three linear lumen or holes.
Central to the device is a balloon that, once inflated, presses the Peek polymer tubing up against the tissue.
Nitinol needles travel down the tubing through the center lumen where they protrude out into the sphincter and cauterize the tissue.
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The needles are retracted, the device rotated, and the cycle repeats itself several times.
The resulting scar tissue creates tension in the sphincter so it seals more effectively and relieves the chronic acid reflux condition." High temperature resistance is an essential property requirement for these particular tri-lumen tubes says Adam.
"The needles used to cauterize the tissue must be insulated from both the patient and the balloon.
Peek polymer is an excellent insulator and works well in this device." "Also important to the device functionality," says Adam, "is the material's excellent dimensional stability at high temperature.
Peek polymer is ideal for the complex geometry of the tubing.
It meets the high tolerances required while maintaining its mechanical properties at elevated temperatures." To ensure the puncture resistance of the tubing, toughness and strength are a major requirement.
"The nitinol needles have to come out predetermined holes drilled into the tubing," says Adam.
"If the needles were to puncture the tubing and exit above or below the sphincter it would not affect the targeted tissue.
Peek polymer was chosen because it is a high durometer material.
In some instances, it can be used to replace stainless steel." Peek polymer is also chemically inert and can be either ETO or gamma sterilized.
Medefab is a contract manufacturer of medical devices.
It has extrusion and molding capabilities, both insert and loose piece.
Medefab builds and operates its own tipping and drilling equipment designed for specific customer use.
The company can also provide pad printing, or hot stamping, and assembly of the final product.
For more information visit their website at www.medefab.com.
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