Here’s how laser-cut tube (LCT) catheters compare to traditional catheters: the design process, functional advantages, test methods and cost comparisons. DeviceTalks The medical device community has a long history of using braided and coil-based catheter constructs. But these traditional constructs present multiple performance-based issues. … [Read more...] about The advantages of laser-cut tube (LCT) catheters
Medical Device Handbook
Crosshead construction for medical tubing: What you need to know
As the medical industry migrates more to multi-layer, multi-lumen tubing for various uses, the extrusion die design and manufacturing supply chain has likewise evolved. That includes new crosshead designs. Bill Conley, Guill Tool & Engineering Medical tubing manufacturers are increasingly turning to assorted types of multi-chambered … [Read more...] about Crosshead construction for medical tubing: What you need to know
The key extrusion considerations for catheter development
The extrusion and catheter finishing processes are inextricably linked, and balancing these processes can be a complex undertaking. Paul Weafer, VistaMed, a Freudenberg Medical company There are a number of variables that can ultimately affect the performance of a finished catheter – the most paramount being the properties of the raw material … [Read more...] about The key extrusion considerations for catheter development
Vascular catheter construction: Reviewing the basics and what’s new
Advances in catheter components are paving the way for improved, more sophisticated devices. A super-thin-walled PTFE catheter base liner presents new opportunities for smaller devices. MRI-compatible LCP braiding is stronger than previous non-metal braidings and rivals the strength of some stainless steel braidings. Kevin … [Read more...] about Vascular catheter construction: Reviewing the basics and what’s new
What is metal tubing for medical devices?
Most small hand-held devices used for surgery include some type of tubing technology. The design engineer ultimately must decide whether drawn tubing or a rolled tube technology will best suit a particular device. Jim Jock, Micro Metal tubes are frequently used for the shafts of disposable and reusable medical instruments. The tubes can be … [Read more...] about What is metal tubing for medical devices?
Braid-reinforced catheter shafts: How to ensure X-ray and MRI compatibility
To achieve stiffness in intervascular catheter shafts, manufacturers often turn to stainless or nitinol – but those materials aren’t suited for MRI. Luckily, low-cost fibers offer a viable alternative. William Li and Steve Maxson, Adam Spence Intervascular catheter shafts are designed to be relatively stiff at the proximal end, to facilitate the … [Read more...] about Braid-reinforced catheter shafts: How to ensure X-ray and MRI compatibility
How to make kink-resistant tubing work in smaller medical devices
Today’s implantable medical devices require bio-friendly silicone that keeps fluids flowing even when space is tight. Dan Sanchez, Trelleborg Sealing Solutions Combining highly biocompatible silicone with the elasticity and durability of nylon creates a class of durable, crush- and kink-resistant tubing that’s ideal for today’s small yet highly … [Read more...] about How to make kink-resistant tubing work in smaller medical devices
Virtual tubing model analysis can accelerate complex catheter shaft design
Michael Holt, Integer Virtual tubing model analysis optimizes catheter design to help engineers reach final design freeze faster and shorten time to market. As medical procedures become more complex, engineers are challenged to develop smaller, thinner-walled catheters to keep pace with high-performance clinical demands. Conventional catheter … [Read more...] about Virtual tubing model analysis can accelerate complex catheter shaft design
Incorporating steerability into your catheter: Here’s what you need to know
Here are seven key design and development considerations you need to keep in mind for catheters with steerability. Anthony Appling, Freudenberg Medical As medical technology continues to advance, physicians who specialize in minimally invasive procedures also have advancing expectations. They want better performance and improved functionality in … [Read more...] about Incorporating steerability into your catheter: Here’s what you need to know