Implantable Polymer Enhancements

Available to the medical device community for almost a decade, PEEK-OPTIMA is recognized as both the flagship and market-leading high-performance implantable polymer. During the 8th World Biomaterials Congress (WBC), Invibio presented two posters exploring preliminary evaluations of new forms of PEEK-OPTIMA (porous and fiber) that may enhance tissue interaction and integration, which were conducted in collaboration with the School of Chemical, Biological and Materials Engineering, University of Oklahoma.

Reflecting the trend toward PEEK polymers and compounds in applications previously dominated by ceramics, metals, bone and other polymers, more than a dozen papers and presentations focusing on PEEK biomaterials were offered. Topics included: wear performance of PEEK-OPTIMA materials in screening tests and in spinal and knee arthroplasty; laser welding of PEK-OPTIMA for medical devices; polymer solutions for radiology treatment improvements; tensile fracture behavior in the presence of a Notch Riser; PEEK vs. titanium potential for bone formation of human primary osteoblasts; surface modification of PEEK using oxygen plasma treatment to aid cell growth response; and effects of hydroxyapatite coatings on PEEK and carbon fiber-reinforced PEEK properties.

According to Invibio president Michael Callahan, "PEEK polymers are enabling innovation and advancement in numerous new areas that, hopefully, will lead to improved patient care and clinical outcomes; this strong and steady trend shows no signs of abating, and new and promising applications are emerging every day. The field of spine implant design is just one example; PEEK-OPTIMA is now broadly accepted as a highperforming and versatile alternative to metallic, ceramic and other biomaterials across the spinal fusion community and is used in the development of novel motion preservation and dynamic stabilization applications," Callahan comments.

"Additionally," Callahan adds, "PEKOPTIMA has gained acceptance in a wide range of non-spine markets including arthroscopy, dental, pharmaceutical, cardiovascular and orthopedics." invibio.com