Disposable TPE valve helps bypass infection
Canadian Plastics
Leakage of potentially infectious fluids during an organ or tissue biopsy can prove fatal, especially to a patient whose immune system is already comprised. That's why U.S. Endoscopy in Mentor, Ohio r...
Leakage of potentially infectious fluids during an organ or tissue biopsy can prove fatal, especially to a patient whose immune system is already comprised. That’s why U.S. Endoscopy in Mentor, Ohio replaced its disposable silicone biopsy valves with the BioShield, with parts made from VersaFlex and DynaFlex thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) from GLS Corp.
Biopsy valves are the key components of endoscopes — devices used by doctors for exploring and taking samples of tissue in internal organs.
Unlike the silicone, which leaked due to lack of adhesion to the endoscope, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved TPEs from GLS provide a controlled degree of tackiness for the valves to remain affixed to the endoscope.
“GLS was able to provide the most suitable grade (of TPEs) to meet FDA compliance,” Christopher Kay, manager of advanced engineering and polymer technology at U.S. Endoscopy, said. “We achieved ease of processing (and) a rubbery feel with the added benefits of good ozone resistance and UV stability, along with the needed performance characteristics.”
GLS Corporation (McHenry Ill.) www.glscorp.com 815-385-8500
