Increasingly, innovative medical applications place further importance on the success of the materials they use. When patients' health, mobility and comfort are involved, reliability and durability are crucial. Bayer MaterialScience LLC steps up to the challenge offering original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) a wide range of material solutions for their medical application needs.
From polycarbonate resins and blends to flexible films to raw material solutions for medical devices, Bayer has the right material for the job. Bayer will showcase some of its high-performance materials and innovative applications that utilize them at its booth (#2021) during the 30th anniversary of MD&M West Conference and Exposition.
Bayer will debut a Makroblend® M525 polycarbonate/polyester blend resin tailored for use in wearable medical devices. This grade provides a high level of chemical resistance against body lotions and other chemicals, as well as good rigidity and toughness, and meets the testing requirements of ISO 10993-5 (Cytotoxicity) and ISO 10993-10 (Irritation and Sensitization) for biocompatibility.
Makroblend® EL4000 polycarbonate/polyester (PC+polyester) blend resin is noted for its high level of chemical resistance against many of the most aggressive disinfectants, which are used more frequently to combat hospital acquired infections. Makroblend® EL4000 PC+polyester blend is well suited for molding medical device and equipment housings and enclosures, as it helps protect their electronics and electromechanical components in clinical settings.
Bayer is also launching a combination of Baymedix® FP foam and Platilon® films that enables the efficient production of wound dressings combining foam production with the film attachment. The new product combination is comprised of breathable films and foams made from polyurethane raw materials, offering new opportunities for product performance and processing efficiency. The strong bond of the foam material to the thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) film makes the additional adhesive lamination steps used in other processes obsolete.
The Baymedix® product line also includes a series of raw materials for medical films. In addition to wound care and medical wearables, these raw materials can be used in laminates, scope covers and barrier contraceptives.
Platilon® and Dureflex® TPU films offer OEMs durability, abrasion resistance and flexibility. Both TPU films are used in wound dressings, helping to protect wounds while allowing a bandage to breathe, and assisting with accelerating the healing process. In wound dressing applications and also in surgical drapes, the films conform to the patient's body shape.
OEMs rely on Bayer materials for their proven high-performance and outstanding property profiles. Following are a few examples of innovative medical applications utilizing Bayer materials that will be on display during MD&M West.
Safepole chose Bayblend® polycarbonate resin blend for an innovative IV pole application. Bayblend® resin blend provides strength for many of Safepole's accessories, including an oxygen tank holder, a large utility basket with an easy-to-grip handlebar, a router to organize IV tubes, brackets to mount a hospital-grade power strip, and a dome that covers the wheels to help eliminate tripping and prevent tubes from entangling in the wheels.
Another application is the Breathe NIOV System – a one-pound, non-invasive mechanical ventilator for use in home and institutional settings. The patient interface and air/oxygen path components utilize injection-molded Makrolon® 2858 polycarbonate. This grade is suitable for ETO and steam sterilization at 121 C and is biocompatible according to many ISO 10993-1 test requirements, making it an ideal choice for medical devices.
Caltorque Medical Products selected Makrolon® polycarbonate resin from Bayer to form the handles of its TorqueSafe™ instruments, which are designed for trauma, reconstruction, small bone, cranio maxillofacial fixation, spine and extremity procedures. Advantages of utilizing Makrolon® polycarbonate included compatibility with sterilization modalities, ability to meet care and handling requirements, durability in transport, and global availability.
Supracor's Stimulite® Bassinet Mattress utilizes Dureflex® TPU film, which provides the challenging combination of durability, chemical resistance, soft touch, wear abrasion and processibility. The thousands of perforations in the honeycomb cells allow air to flow vertically and horizontally, minimizing the risk of suffocation. According to Supracor, the mattress is naturally antibacterial, antifungal and allergen free. The company also states that parents will appreciate the mattress being washable, while infants will likely enjoy the "womb-like" feel it provides. The Stimulite® technology in combination with Dureflex® TPU film is also suitable for wheelchair cushions and similar applications.
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