Published: August 1, 2002
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PEEK-Optima polymer is chosen for a new-generation heart valve
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. AorTech International (Scotland, UK; +44 1698 746699) has selected PEEK-Optima polymer for the frame of its next-generation synthetic trileaflet heart valve. The valve, undergoing trials in the United States and in Europe, is expected to be on the market by 2005. PEEK-Optima, manufactured by Invibio Inc. (Greenville, SC; 866/468-4246), is a polyaromatic, semicrystalline polymer that has undergone extensive biocompatibility and biostability testing to ensure its suitability for implantation. The AorTech valves are designed to overcome the clinical problems of mechanical and bioprosthetic valves: mechanical valves require daily anticoagulant treatment, and bioprosthetics have a limited life span. Each AorTech valve is specified to meet desired tolerances and machined to deliver precise qualities. The company has designed testing equipment to monitor valve performance at varying heart rates, blood pressures, and temperatures. |
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