ANSAmed’s Multi-Layered Extrusion Technology

Recent technical advances in extrusion technology enable multi-layer tubing to be produced on sophisticated, fully-integrated extrusion lines using closed loop and statistical process control to ensure the most accurate, repeatable dimensional control is maintained throughout the extrusion run.

According to Dominic Feeley, technical accounts manager of ANSAmed, a Vention Medical company, the recent manufacturing breakthroughs have enabled his company to produce tri-layer tubing with outer diameter (OD) tolerances of ±0.0003" and wall thicknesses of less than 0.0016".

"We are now able to produce thin-walled, large bore, multi-layer tubing, ideal for delivery systems for emerging therapies such as percutaneous replacement of diseased heart valves," Feeley states. At the other end of the scale, he notes, recent trends have emerged for tapered microbore multi-layer structures enabling balloon catheters to reach even further into the anatomy through reduced profiles.

The primary use of multi-layer extrusion technology is to produce tubing with concentric layers of different thermoplastics, each of which provides a specific function or benefit, such as lubricity or drug-eluting or enhanced mechanical properties.

"We are continuing to evaluate new material combinations with our partners and push the extrusion process boundaries to develop multi-layer tubing with increased functionality that will deliver improved therapeutic outcomes," Feeley adds. "Also, recent market shortages in medical nylon grades have led to an increased interest in various combinations of alternative replacement materials in multi-layer configurations."

A white paper, Developments in Multi-Layer Medical Tubing Technology, is now available that discusses in detail the manufacturing process, materials, and various applications for the new multi-layer tubing.