ADVANCED POLYMERS

Micromuscle is an advanced Electroactive Polymer (EAP) for medical device applications. EAPs are characterized by their ability to change state by swelling and contracting when a small electrical stimulus is applied. Micromuscle EAP is optimized to perform in the body and is fully biocompatible. Standard medical device industry processing techniques can be applied to the material.

Micromuscle is an enabling technology that facilitates the development of new device designs or enhance existing designs. It can be integrated into a medical device as a coating or small component in multiple configurations or sizes.Micromuscle enables the controlled movement of devices and the controlled release of substances from devices. The polymer can switch between a deactivated and activated state on the application of a low voltage (1V to 2V) electrical stimulus. The state change in the polymer is characterized by an ability to swell and contract. This movement can be harnessed in device designs to bend, steer, grab, release, push or pull.

Alternatively, the application of an electrical stimulus can be applied for the controlled release of a substance or substances from the polymer matrix. The release can be controlled over a period of time, can be initiated or stopped on demand, or several substances can be eluted in sequence from the polymer.

Applications that may benefit from Micromuscle technology include:

• Steerability and deliverability
• Drug delivery
• Mirco-mechanical components
• Surface modification

Micromuscle enhances the functionality of devices such as guidewires, catheters, balloons, stents, EP leads, microfluidics and drug delivery systems.

Creganna
Marlborough, MA
creganna.com