PTFE Medical Tubing Products
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What Is PTFE Tubing In Medical Devices?
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), discovered in 1938, has become integral to medical device applications due to its unique properties. This synthetic fluoropolymer, derived primarily from fluorite, is noted for its exceptional non-stick qualities, chemical inertness, and high thermal stability. In medical applications, PTFE tubing is pivotal for its low coefficient of friction and extremely broad working temperature range, making it suitable for critical roles such as protective linings in catheters for delivery channels for medical devices and insulative sheaths in medical electronics.
PTFE medical tubing, with its origins rooted in intricate chemical transformations, begins as a fluorine gas that reacts with hydrocarbon gases to create PTFE resin. This resin, processed through stages like compression molding and precise extrusion, results in tubing that meets the exacting standards required in medical technologies. Some types of PTFE tubing in medical applications include multi-lumen tubes for complex device pathways, medical heat shrink tubing for encapsulating other components, and ultra-thin-wall tubes for minimally invasive procedures. The key benefits of these in medical devices include their high dielectric strength, resistance to temperature extremes, and biocompatibility, which ensure they perform reliably under rigorous medical use. With its unparalleled chemical resistance, PTFE has become an ideal polymer for the chemical and analytical sciences.
Key Characteristics Of PTFE Medical Tubing
Ultra Thin Wall
High Dielectric Strength
Torque Transmission
Excellent Temperature Withstanability
(Up To 260 °c / 500 °f)
Usp Class Vi Bio Biocompatibility
Sterilizable (Eto)
Excellent Coefficient Of Friction
Excellent Chemical Resistance
High Column Strength
Material Properties Of PTFE Medical Tubing
PHYSICAL | ASTM | PTFE |
|---|---|---|
Density (g/cm3) | D792 | 2.16 – 2.18 |
Water Absorption (%) | D570 | < 0.01 |
Oxygen Index (%) | D2863 | > 95 |
MECHANICAL | ASTM | PTFE |
|---|---|---|
Hardness, Shore D | D2240 | 50 – 65 |
Ultimate Tensile Strength (MPa) | D638 | 21 – 35 |
Elongation at Break (%) | D638 | 300 – 500
|
Modulus of Elasticity (MPa) | D638 | 392 |
Flexural Modulus (MPa) | D790 | 490 – 588 |
Coefficient of Friction | D1894 | 0.02 – 0.10 |
ELECTRICAL | ASTM | PTFE |
|---|---|---|
Volume Resistivity (Ω – cm) | D257 | < 1.0 × 10¹⁸ |
Dielectric Constant 1 MHz | D150 | 2.10 |
Dielectric Strength (V/mil) | D149 | 457 – 483 |
THERMAL | ASTM | PTFE |
|---|---|---|
Thermal Conductivity (W/m – K) | D433 | 0.025 – 0.3 |
Maximum Service Temp, Air (°C) | na | 260 |
Melt Temp (°C) | D4591 | 326 – 327 |
Decomposition Temp (°C) | AIR | 505 |
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion, Linear 20° (μm/m-°C)
| D696 | 100 |
General Applications Of PTFE Tubing in Medical Tubing
Balloon Catheters
Delivery System
Introducer Sheaths
Wire and Cable Insulation
Analytical and Fluid Management Tubing
PTFE Medical Tubing Types
PTFE Single Lumen Tube
PTFE Multi Lumen Tube
PTFE Heat Shrink Tube
PTFE Ultra Thin Wall Tube
PTFE Special Section Mandrel
PTFE Color Marking Tube
PTFE Liner
PTFE Sheath
PTFE Liner
Main Points at a Glance:
- Exceptional Lubricity: Boasts the lowest coefficient of friction among synthetic resins.
- Customization Flexibility: Allows for tailored tensile strength and elongation to meet specific medical needs.
- Ultra-Precise Dimensions: Manufactured with wall thicknesses down to an ultra-fine 0.001” (0.025mm).
- Versatile Design Options: Available in various diameters, profiles, lumens, and sizes tailored to unique medical requirements.
- Enhanced Surface Adhesion: Optimized for excellent surface bonding capabilities.
- Robust Physical Properties: Offers high tensile strength with consistent elongation for reliable performance.
- Dimensional Consistency: Engineered for precise and stable dimensions throughout its usage.
- Optimized Internal Surface: Designed to maintain low friction within the lumen for improved performance.
PTFE liners are highly specialized components crafted from polytetrafluoroethylene, known for their superior chemical resistance and low friction properties. These liners are essential in enhancing the performance and safety of medical devices by providing a smooth, inert interface that minimizes interaction with medical substances.
Key Features of PTFE Liners
Chemical Inertness
Low Coefficient of Friction
High Temperature Resistance
Biocompatibility
Sterilizability
Medical Applications of PTFE Liners
PTFE liners are primarily utilized in medical settings where high heat, purity, and chemical inertness are critical. Commonly employed in catheters, vascular stents, and guide wires, these liners ensure smooth, safe device operation and enhance patient care by preventing material degradation and ensuring substance purity during procedures.
Cardiovascular Procedures
PTFE liners are essential in cardiovascular catheters, offering a low-friction surface that eases the catheter’s navigation through blood vessels during interventions like angioplasty or stent placement. This feature helps reduce vascular trauma and increases procedural safety.
Urological Procedures
For urological applications, catheters equipped with PTFE liners ensure easier insertion and minimize patient discomfort by reducing tissue irritation and the risk of urinary tract infections, facilitating safer and more comfortable treatments.
Gastrointestinal Procedures
In gastrointestinal treatments, PTFE liners allow for smoother catheter movement through the GI tract, critical for procedures like endoscopic treatments and enteral feeding, while their inert nature helps prevent tissue irritation and inflammation.
Neurovascular Procedures
In neurovascular care, PTFE-lined catheters provide enhanced control and precision. Their reduced friction is crucial for the delicate navigation required in brain and spinal procedures, minimizing the risk of neural tissue damage.
Ophthalmic Procedures
PTFE liners in ophthalmic catheters assist in the precise administration of treatments within the eye, ensuring minimal irritation to sensitive ocular tissues, which promotes quicker recovery and lowers infection risks.
Technological Impact
PTFE liners contribute significantly to medical technology by enhancing the effectiveness, reliability, and comfort of medical devices. Their integration demands advanced manufacturing techniques, broadening treatment possibilities while ensuring safety through their biocompatibility and inert properties.