Interface Catheter Solutions Releases Online Tri-layer Co-Extrusion Catalogue, Multilayer Balloon Patent Awarded

Interface, a vertically integrated provider of outsourced services for balloon and catheter manufacturing based in the USA, has announced that it now offers an online tri-layer co-extrusion catalogue for ordering tubing with what Interface describes as a quick turnaround and competitive pricing. The tri-layer catalogue offers extrusion for 0.014” (0.035 mm) guide wire for peripheral dilatation catheters along with minimally invasive catheters. The extrusion catalogue offers varying inner and outer diameters to accommodate a standard size range. The tri-layer is made of what Interface describe as a market competitive material, sizes and specifications. Customers can expect tight tolerance tubing.

The catalogue is available here: http://www.interfaceusa.com/tri-layer-tubing/.

About tri-layer extrusion

Interface Catheter Solutions's tri-layer extrusion technology comprises an outer layer, a core layer, and an intermediate tie layer. The tri-layer tubing is coextruded so it is not subject to delamination. Tri-layer tubing provides the advantage of a reduction in the overall cost of catheter manufacture as it provides low friction for the advancement of a guide wire or catheter through the lumen without comprising strength and stiffness.

Interface has worked on an extrusion process to ensure that the tie-layer is circumferentially present and there is no delamination between tubing layers. A critical element in co-extrusion (especially small, tri-layer extrusions) is a uniform middle layer of adhesive that holds the outer and inner layers together.

The extrusion process is controlled by a sophisticated imaging system that captures high-resolution pictures of the cross section of the extruded microtubes. The process ensures that the tie layer is circumferentially present throughout the length of the extrusion and produced in clean-room facilities to customer specifications.

Comment

“The tri-layer co-extrusion catalogue in combination with our sample and standard balloon catalogues offer our customers limitless possibilities for their research and development needs and for cost-effective manufacturing options,” stated Mark Geiger, vice president of sales and marketing. “We have the materials, in-house tooling and equipment in place for cost-effective and high quality balloon and catheter solutions with quick turnaround options.”

US Patent

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) recently awarded Interface Catheter Solutions a patent for “multi-layer balloons for medical applications and methods for manufacturing the same” (Patent No. US 7942847). The multi-layer balloon has an inner and outer balloon for high pressure balloon performance. This patent allows Interface to offer its customers a highly competitive, market ready high pressure balloon without the lengthy development time thereby saving cost.

The patent states that each layer is made from tubing that optimises the inner wall stretch to provide maximum balloon strength. The high pressure, multi-layer balloon is provided with layers that allow for slipping, such that the balloon has a very high pressure rating and toughness, yet excellent folding characteristics.

The high pressure balloons utilise two balloons that are semi-compliant and have positively tested to meet or exceed current published balloon performance from market leading catheter balloons. Balloon dimensional sizing, varying materials and performance testing is ongoing. 

The performance of the balloon can easily be altered by proportionally adjusting wall thickness or adjusting the properties of the balloon material. The Interface multi-layer balloon design can be used in any application where high pressures and low profiles are required.

About Interface Catheter Solutions

Interface Catheter Solutions claims to be the only vertically integrated provider of outsourced solutions for balloon and catheter manufacturing. Interface has been solely focused on the balloon catheter market since 1995 and continually sets industry standards through process improvements and equipment advancements in balloon catheter manufacturing.

Interface has created more than 2,100 balloon designs, and offers balloon design and development, balloon contract manufacturing, extruded balloon tubing, custom medical extrusion, plus a comprehensive line of balloon catheter production and testing equipment. Interface is ISO 13485:2003 certified and operates multiple class 100,000 (ISO Class 8) clean rooms in three facilities.