5 Ways High-Tenacity Polyester Can Boost Medical Device Performance

In today's market, many medical devices use UHMWPE for several related to the assembly of the device or for the full function of the device (such as sutures). While UHMWPE demonstrates extreme strength, it's much stronger than any tissue, bone or ligament in the body, and as a result, may damage the surrounding tissue in some implantable device applications. For example, in a case study where UHMWPE was used to make artificial ACLs (anterior crucible ligaments), the implanted ligament cut into the surrounding bone as the device was put into function. In addition to its potentially overpowering strength, UHMWPE fiber is only available in a single size and making it more difficult to produce different types of devices.

Another option is polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers, which are used in a variety of devices as a substructure for heart valves, endovascular devices, sutures, and other applications. PET, a type of polyester, is used in standard fiber with a semi-dull luster and a low tenacity (strength), but it works. Historically, in medical devices, there have been two fiber sizes that have fulfilled a variety of demands. PET has a long history of being implanted and it has demonstrated biocompatibility.

Building on the properties of PET fibers, HT PET (high-tenacity polyester) fibers are a material option for next-generation device applications. HT PET has more than double the strength of standard PET with less bulk density. By using a smaller denier yarn, device manufacturers are able to use HT PET to reduce device thickness to create a lower profile while maintaining high strength and flexibility. 

In an industry where physicians and engineers are looking for increasingly smaller device delivery systems for transcatheter applications, medical device companies are looking for smaller and stronger fibers to use for their next-generation devices. HT PET can be custom made to meet the strict specifications of these low-profile, next-generation devices without compromising performance.

5 Advantages of HT PET (Polyester) over UHMWPE and standard PET

For more information, RxFiber is hosting a webinar on Thursday, October 24, 2013 at 10:30 am PDT titled "Next-Gen Biomaterials: Creating Lower Profile Devices Using High-Tenacity Polyester and Alternatives to UHMWPE and Standard Polyester." Those interested in attending can register via the RxFiber Resources page.

Contributing author Robert Torgerson is the president and founder of RxFiber LLC. The company opened a new facility in 2012 and is focused on production of custom medical-grade fibers produced under ISO 13485 standards dedicated solely to the medical device industry.

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