MARLBOROUGH, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Recent technical advances in extrusion technology have enabled
multi-layer tubing to be produced on sophisticated, fully-integrated
extrusion lines using closed loop and statistical process control to
ensure the most accurate, repeatable dimensional control is maintained
throughout the extrusion run.
According to Dominic Feeley, Technical Accounts Manager of ANSAmed,
a Vention Medical company, the recent manufacturing breakthroughs have
enabled his company to produce tri-layer tubing with outer diameter (OD)
tolerances of +/-0.0003" and wall thicknesses of less than 0.0016".
"We are now able to produce thin-walled, large bore, multi-layer tubing,
ideal for delivery systems for emerging therapies such as percutaneous
replacement of diseased heart valves," states Feeley. At the other end
of the scale, he notes, recent trends have emerged for tapered microbore
multi-layer structures enabling balloon
catheters to reach even further into the anatomy through reduced
profiles.
Multi-layer
extrusion technology is primarily used to produce tubing with
concentric layers of different thermoplastics, each of which provides a
specific function or benefit, such as lubricity or drug-eluting or
enhanced mechanical properties.
"We're continuing to evaluate new material combinations with our
partners and push the extrusion process boundaries to develop
multi-layer tubing with increased functionality that will deliver
improved therapeutic outcomes," adds Feeley. "Also, recent market
shortages in medical nylon grades have led to an increased interest in
various combinations of alternative replacement materials in multi-layer
configurations."
A white paper entitled Developments
in Multi-Layer Medical Tubing Technology is now available that
discusses in detail the manufacturing process, materials, and various
applications for the new multi-layer tubing.
About Vention Medical
Vention Medical is an innovative medical device solutions partner
offering clients more than 30 years of experience in all phases of
design, engineering, component manufacturing, and finished device
assembly. Vention Medical specializes in components and services used in
interventional and minimally invasive products, including medical
balloons, advanced extrusions and heat shrink tubing, clean room
injection molding, assembly and packaging services. http://www.ventionmedical.com
