Technical Presentations

Animal Derived Materials in Medical Devices

Definition: Animal Derived Materials (ADMs) include any substance derived from the body of any animal, including fat, flesh, blood, milk and eggs.  ADMs are used in polymers to stabilize formulations, enhance properties and aid in processing.  Recent medical device regulatory trends have increased demand for polymers free of ADMs. Purpose: Provide an understanding of Animal Derived Materials

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ProPell™ Low Friction Compounds

Definition: ProPell™ low friction compounds use non-migratory additives to enhance the surface of polymer components and reduce friction.  This technology is particularly beneficial in soft polymers, such as polyurethanes, which are inherently tacky and have high frictional properties.  ProPell™ polymer compounds are USP Class VI compatible and well suited for extrusion and injection molding of medical

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Bioresorbable Polymer Compounds for Implantable Devices

Definition: Bioresorbable polymers are inherently biocompatible, yet hydrolytically unstable.  This allows for applications in temporary implants that are intended to be absorbed and metabolized by the body.  A range of physical and degradation properties allows these polymers to be used for applications that include orthopedic fixation, vascular stents, tissue engineering and controlled drug delivery.  Common bioresorbable

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Nano Particle Reinforced Polymer Technology for Medical Devices

Definition: Nano clay particles can be added to medical plastics in low loadings to improve rigidity while preserving elongation and surface finish.  This is advantageous in thin wall applications, such as catheters which require improved rigidity for pushability.  These non-organic, platelet-shaped particles can also improve barrier, thermo-mechanical, flame resistance and processing properties of medical polymers. Purpose: Provide

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Sterilization Technologies for Medical Devices

Definition: The three primary methods for sterilizating medical devices include radiation, ethylene oxide and steam.  Device type, quantity to be sterilized and packaging are a few considerations for selecting the appropriate method.  Polymers used in the device components must also be considered, since some can degrade or diminish in functionality from the sterilization process. Purpose: Provide an

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Overview of Medical Polymers

Definition: Thermoplastics play a critical role in modern medical devices.  Amorphous and crystalline thermoplastics offer distinct performance properties.  Within these categories are a variety of specific polymers suitable for a wide range of device components. Purpose: An overview of amorphous and crystalline thermoplastics, along with specific examples and attributes for each category. View Presentation

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Color Additives for Medical Device Plastics

Definition: Pre-color compounds and color concentrates for medical applications are most commonly manufactured using two categories of color additives: FDA Food Contact Pigments, and FDA Medical Device Pigments.  The selection of one pigment classification over the other may affect the FDA approval process for medical devices. Purpose: Selection of pigments suitable for medical device plastics View Presentation

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