Surgical instrumentation material

Biocompatible Radel polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) is being used for valve sizers in BioStable Science & Engineering’s Haart 300 aortic annuloplasty kit. The system is the first internal annuloplasty device designed for aortic valve repair.

Machined from extruded Radel R-5500 rod stock, the kit’s polymer sizers allow surgeons to quickly measure the dimension of a patient’s aortic valve leaflets and select the correctly sized Haart 300 Aortic Annuloplasty Device for proper valve closure.

Radel PPSU’s thermal stability, chemical resistance, and hydrolytic stability support medical devices requiring repeated disinfection and steam sterilization. Parts made from the material can withstand more than 1,000 autoclave cycles without significant loss of mechanical properties.

Non-reflective electropolishing

The ElectroMatte non-reflective electropolishing process, available from New England Electropolishing, reduces part reflectivity while cleaning, deburring, and passivating stainless steel components. Suited for tubing and laser-cut components, ElectroMatte meets finishing procedures of ASTM A 967, ASTM B 912, and ASTM A 380.

An alternative to blasting, pickling, and other traditional cleaning processes, ElectroMatte eliminates multiple process steps and produces a consistent matte finish on stainless steel parts. 

Oberg Medical acquires X-L Engineering

Incorporated in 1943 as a grinding services company and recently acquired by Oberg Medical, X-L Engineering has more than 90 skilled machinists primarily focused on the medical device and aerospace markets. The organization will become known as Oberg Medical – XL Division.

X-L’s strengths in thin-walled turning, Swiss machining, and gun drilling expand Oberg’s capabilities and offer additional resources in engineering, new product development, and prototyping.

Ultra-low viscosity biocompatible epoxy

EP62-1LPSPMed biocompatible two-part epoxy with 150cps to 300cps mixed viscosity supports medical electronic applications and is suited for underfill, impregnation, and porosity sealing applications.

With excellent wetting properties, it can flow by capillary action into tight clearances or beneath devices. It adheres to metals, plastics, composites, polyimides, glass, and ceramic substrates.

EP62-1LPSPMed has working life of 12 hours to 24 hours for a 100g mass and requires moderate heat for curing. Cure schedule is overnight at room temperature followed by 60 minutes to 90 minutes at 80°C to 100°C. Post-curing at 100°C to 150°C for 3 hours to 4 hours optimizes its properties.

Master Bond EP62-1LPSPMed passes USP Class VI and ISO 10993-5 cytotoxicity requirements.