Using Eastman Tritan™ copolyester in blood therapy surgical and blood management devices can save manufacturers time and money. Tritan is a tough, chemical-resistant and easy-to-process new-generation copolyester that offers excellent clarity and durability to blood therapy devices. Tritan is also free of bisphenol A.
Replacing polycarbonate (PC) with Eastman Tritan™ copolyester in blood therapy devices can help decrease processing bottlenecks and improve yield while reducing overall system cost. By using Tritan, manufacturers have the potential to eliminate the secondary annealing step required to reduce potential stress cracking issues that often occur with PC. Additionally, the toughness of Tritan means less stress and strains that are common during secondary operations as well as the reduced potential for devices breaking during shipping.
An additional benefit of Eastman Tritan™ copolyester is its chemical resistance, which allows devices to remain aesthetic and functional after exposure to blood, lipids and aggressive disinfectants. Compared with other polymers, Tritan retains glasslike transparency after gamma or electron beam radiation and sterilization with ethylene oxide gas. The device clarity allows healthcare practitioners easier detection of air bubbles, blood clotting and leakage.
“Eastman Tritan™ copolyester allows for performance advantages other common thermoplastics don't offer for blood therapy devices,” said Gopal Saraiya, Eastman's market development manager for medical devices. “Using Tritan for blood therapy devices allows device manufacturers to produce greater yield at lower costs and provides them with a product that is tough, chemical- and heat-resistant, and clear after sterilization.”
Eastman Tritan™ copolyester can be used in many blood therapy devices, including surgical devices such as oxygenators, hematological reservoirs, hematological filters, cardioplegia filters and bubble trap devices. Additionally, Tritan may be suitable for such blood management devices as blood separation cassettes, blood micro filters or centrifugal devices.
To learn more about Eastman Tritan™ copolyester for the blood therapy market, visit Eastman at Booth 2227 during MD&M West.
For more information about Eastman Tritan™ copolyester, visit www.eastman.com/tritan or www.tritantough.com.
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