Industrial News Buzz - Total Life Sciences, a division of Total Plastics, Inc., has announced the addition of VESTAKEEP, long and short term human implantable polyetheretherketone (PEEK) material, to it's current portfolio of medical grade products. This high quality thermoplastic is produced by Evonik Degussa GmbH, and there are a number of grades to support various applications including spinal interbody fusion devices, spacers, and related components, as well as suture anchors, total joint arthroplasty, trauma, fixation, and various devices used in orthopedic, dental, and endoscopic instrumentation.

 

The resin, or raw material, is produced to high quality standards related to human implantable materials and meets ASTM F 2026 and ISO10993 requirements. The VESTAKEEP fabricated form is currently available in rod diameters of 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 20mm, 25mm and 30mm, with more sizes becoming available in the second quarter of 2010. Other forms and near-net shapes are available upon request. This stock shape product is also tested under ASTM F 2026, and has been manufactured using process validations to ensure compliance for permanently implanted polymeric materials.

 

VESTAKEEP, as a high performance semi-crystalline polymer, demonstrates biocompatibility, high strength and mechanical toughness, dimensional stability, low water absorption, and chemical resistance. It can be subjected to a number of sterilization processes and is radiolucent under x-ray techniques. Various additives and fillers can be used to produce a wide effect of various traits, and Total Life Sciences can work with you to ensure the proper results for your device.

 

"We are excited about bringing this material to the medical device market," said Michael Kell, Business Development Manager for Total Life Sciences, but we recognize the challenges with any product being marketed for long term human implant applications". VESTAKEEP represents a different approach to the currently available product on the market, and the choice of supplier will become a critical part of the decision making process. Mr. Kell also stated, "Total Life Sciences has become a trusted name among equipment manufacturers and their contract suppliers over the last fifteen years. We have seen a number of similar products to the Evonik material from a myriad of vendors, and we recommend to anyone that you investigate your options carefully. If you would like to learn more about VESTAKEEP, or have any questions on medical grade polymers, please call Michael Kell at (609) 501-5299 - Be Sure to Mention Industrial News Buzz!!!. You can also visit their booth, #5123, at the upcoming AAOS Meeting and Exhibition in New Orleans LA, March 10-12, 2010.

 

VESTAKEEP is a registered trademark of Evonik Degussa GmbH