DSM, which manufactures medical grade fiber Dyneema Purity, has reported the availability of Dyneema Purity BLUE, the implantable grade Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber.
DSM said that the Dyneema Purity BLUE can be used in implantable applications to offer surgeons strength, better contrast during arthroscopic surgeries and differentiation between multiple sutures on multiple anchors.
Dyneema Purity BLUE is a colored 100% UHMWPE fiber that can be used to develop a high strength suture alone or in combination with standard (white) Dyneema Purity without the need to use colored polyester or nylon strands in its construction to offer surgeons uncompromised strength and color variety.
In fact, several different patterns of braid can be developed to offer surgeons bright contrast among the different sutures, including various white/blue combinations, as well as solid blue.
Dyneema Purity BLUE maintains the same features of Dyneema Purity, including its maximum strength at 15 times stronger than quality steel while also offering a lower profile, softness and abrasion resistance. Additionally, the fiber’s elongation and fatigue resistance offer a superior alternative to traditional materials for surgeons and medical device manufacturers.
The company said that the blue UHMWPE fiber has good local tolerance according to ISO 10993:06. The fiber offers low irritation and low inflammatory levels when compared to other implantable materials such as polyester and has the same advanced biocompatibility as Dyneema Purity SGX which has been in use in orthopedic sutures since 2004.
Carina Snijder, business manager medical of DSM Dyneema, said: “DSM Dyneema remains committed to helping medical device companies create next generation applications, which require a superior contrast of fiber materials during surgery.
“The launch of the first 100% colored medical grade UHMWPE fiber is a significant industry milestone that has the potential to enable surgeons to work more confidently and effectively by eliminating multiple suture strand confusion and ultimately minimize errors and improve patient outcomes.”