Originally Published MPMN October
2004
SPOTLIGHT
Disposables
IV fluid control
Product design and development is available from a provider of IV fluid control
technology. Projects are followed from concept to market by developing required
technologies and devising strategic business solutions. The company specializes
in one-way and bidirectional check valves as well as needleless access systems.
Manufacturing is performed in Class 100,000 cleanrooms. Nypro Medical Products
Group, Clinton, MA www.npmedical.com
Flexible catheter systems
A maker of custom medical devices and components manufactures complex disposables
for a catheter system used for high- and pulsed-dose cancer treatments. The
treatment needle assembly can be removed between patient treatments. The catheter
buttons and needle assemblies are marked with channel numbers for quick, accurate
reconnection to the system’s afterloaders. The system design reduces the
chance of catheter kinking. Medisize, Hillegom, Netherlands www.medisize.com
Liquid dispenser 
Cleaning validation of a liquid-dispensing system is simplified with peristaltic
pump technology. Disposing of the entire fluid path eliminates cross-contamination
between production runs. For each production batch, a new, sterile, disposable
tube is used. In most cases, product changeovers and validation can be accomplished
in less than 5 minutes. The company’s liquid-filling technology is suitable
for pilot lot manufacturing as well as large-scale filling operations. Flexicon
America Inc., Burlington, VT www.flexiconamerica.com
Adhesive materials and manufacturing
Three adhesive coating lines produce a variety of single- and double-coated
pressure-sensitive materials. Typical materials include woven and nonwoven fabrics,
plastic and breathable films, foams, foils, and paper. Adhesion characteristics
can be targeted to meet specific product performance requirements. The company
also offers slitting, sheeting, die-cutting, and packaging services. Kapco,
Kent, OH www.kapco.com
Miniature screened orifice
Consistent, uniform flow is an essential requirement of medical fluid-handling
systems and components. A miniature screened orifice is designed for these types
of critical flow control applications. The orifice is preinstalled in a male-to-female
luer adaptor and features an integral safety screen that protects the device
from contamination. Designed for both liquid and gas media, the orifice is available
in 18 standard flow rates. Each part is 100% tested with either water or nitrogen
to ensure 5% flow-rate tolerances. The orifice is made from stainless steel
and the luer adaptor is made of medical-grade polypropylene. The Lee Co.,
Westbrook, CT www.theleeco.com
Needle-free valves
Needle-free valves feature a flush, swabbable top to minimize contamination.
Made of latex-free materials, the SmartSite valves comprise only three parts
and have a straight fluid-path design similar to a standard injection port.
The streamlined design makes the valves cost-effective to manufacture. SmartSite
technology can be adapted to most IV administration applications. Uses include
infusion pump sets, heparin and saline locks, extension sets, vial access pins,
vial adapters, and bag spikes. Alaris Medical Systems, San Diego, CA
www.alarismed.com
Disposable tubing and molded fittings
Extruded, corrugated, and collapsible plastic tubing and injection-molded fittings
are available from a manufacturer. Production and assembly services are also
offered. Visitors to the company’s Web site can view images of its product
lines and request samples. GlobalMed Inc., Trenton, ON, Canada www.globalmedinc.com
Die-cutting, laminating, and slitting services
A manufacturer specializes in precision die-cutting, laminating, slitting,
rewinding, assembly, and printing. Custom fabrications are built to customer
specifications. The company can convert different materials, including medical-grade
tapes and films, foils, papers, and hydrogels. Assistance in materials selection
and design is also offered. Pepin Manufacturing Inc., Lake City, MN www.pepinmfg.com
Copyright ©2004 Medical Product Manufacturing News
