Materials specialist and pioneer of FEP Peelable Heat Shrink Tubing (PHST), Junkosha, has unveiled its latest catheter-based innovation, the 1.8:1 shrink ratio Translucent PHST solution, at the MD&M West show.
With a range of small and large PHST options on the market today, the company says this new product offers catheter manufacturers enhanced versatility to complete intricate bonding and welding applications. Alongside this, Junkosha is highlighting its commitment to be the best long-term partner by working together with customers to fulfil their individual needs and provide solutions in the quickest time.
Junkosha’s newest PHST solution is intended for the manufacture of interventional medical devices such as micro-catheters. Conventional skiving techniques often fail to work on smaller reflowed catheters, causing the catheter to be damaged and therefore rendered useless. Junkosha says its 1.8:1 Translucent PHST allow for the easy addition of complex shapes and constructs to be added to the catheter, simplifying the manufacturing process, and increasing efficiency.
Caroline Herdman, global product specialist for Junkosha, said: “Our latest PHST products offer a streamlined workflow solution to catheter manufacturers, helping to improve efficiency on the product line. By eliminating the need to skive the heat shrink material from the catheter after the construction process, our PHST technology significantly reduces both the time required to take this step and also the chance of damaging the underlying catheter. It also reduces Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for catheter manufacturers, by helping them to produce the final product quickly which results in improved yields and lower inspection levels.”
Steve Maxson, innovation & business development manager for US Extruders, added: “The process of catheter construction requires absolute precision, leaving no room for error. The final step, which involves removing the recovered FEP heat shrink from the outer shaft, is often the most laborious and critical. Junkosha’s PHST solutions simplify this step by requiring just a single slit to start the peeling process, making it effortless to remove the tubing from the catheter without damaging the underlying catheter resulting in higher yields. In addition Junkosha is renowned for its exceptional service. They not only listen to their customers’ needs but also provide a seamless experience, ensuring no surprises and ultimately delivering the completed solution on time and to budget.”
Herdman, concludes: “Alongside launching our 1.8:1 shrink ratio PHST, we are proud to announce a significant reduction in lead-time and increased capacity for PHST and Etched PTFE Liner offerings. Part of our core mantra at Junkosha is to be easy to do business with. We pride ourselves on working alongside our customers to deliver the best outcome we can on time, every time.”
MD&M West takes place until 8th February at the Anaheim Convention Center, California.