What is ePTFE?

ePTFE (expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene) is a lightweight and strong material that is biocompatible and biostable. It is chemically inert, resistant to degradation by biological fluids, and, most importantly, it can be stretched and deformed. Additionally, ePTFE comes in various forms such as tapes, membranes, films, tubes, fibers, sheets, and rods.

Microporous Structure for Medical Use

The material’s microporous structure makes it ideal for a wide range of medical applications. For instance, it enables tissue in-growth, which prevents migration. Thanks to its biocompatible nature and deformation capabilities, ePTFE has become a preferred material in the medical device industry.

ePTFE in the Medical Device Industry

The medical device industry quickly adopted ePTFE. Today, it is widely used across various medical markets, including self-expandable metallic stents for gastroenterology and vascular covered stents, such as abdominal aortic aneurysm stents. In addition, ePTFE is commonly used in cardiology, for structural heart devices like heart valves, septal occluders, left atrial appendage implants, and mitral valve clips.

Overcoming Suturing Challenges

Previously, ePTFE was applied to medical devices using suturing, a manual and time-consuming procedure. However, Medibrane’s experts have overcome this challenge. By developing the innovative Sutureless Lamination Technology through our unique Adhesion platform, we eliminated the need for sutures. This approach ensures strong adhesion and long-term attachment to the metal frame.

Medibrane’s Adhesion Platform

Our Adhesion platform works in two stages:

1. Surface Treatment: We prepare the metal surface for bonding with the polymeric material using various techniques.
2. Encapsulation Coating: A polymeric membrane coats the device’s struts, ensuring a mechanical attachment between the polymer and frame, which leads to improved adhesion.

Sutureless Lamination Technology: Key Advantages

• Low wall thickness
• Low crimping profile
• Automated technology
• Faster manufacturing time
• Smaller delivery forces

ePTFE Advantages in the Medical Industry

• Sealing: ePTFE provides essential sealing for different medical stents, ensuring blood and fluid redirection.
• Tissue In-growth: Its microporous structure allows tissue in-growth, preventing migration, which is critical for numerous medical applications.
• Biostability: ePTFE remains stable and durable over time, making it a reliable material in medical devices.

Sutureless Lamination of ePTFE: Applications

The Sutureless Lamination of ePTFE is ideal for covering:

• Heart Valves
• Left Atrial Appendage Implants
• Mitral Valve Clips
• Septal Occluders
• Peripheral Covered Stents

Specifications

• Single or double layer (Inner diameter or both inner and outer cover layers)
• Wall-thickness range: 60 – 200 [µm]