Just What the Doctor Ordered: Advanced Materials from Bayer MaterialScience Play Important Role in Bringing Lifesaving Medical Solutions to Market

Anaheim, CA, February 12, 2014 --(PR.com)-- Today, more than ever, people seem to always be on the move… reluctant to slow down, even when medical treatment is needed. Medical device original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) recognize this by developing products that will help patients get back on their feet more quickly, and by contributing to a better overall quality of life. When seeking materials that can meet their rigorous specifications, OEMs turn to Bayer MaterialScience LLC.

Bayer has a broad portfolio of polycarbonate resins, blends and films; thermoplastic polyurethane films; and polyurethane-based adhesives and foams – all formulated for the medical device and healthcare market. The company will highlight its materials and some of the innovative applications that utilize them at MD&M West 2014 – the world's largest medical device design and manufacturing event. Here’s a preview.

Bayer materials for the medical market
· Makroblend® EL4000 polycarbonate/polybutylene terephthalate (PC+PBT): MD&M West marks the debut of this new grade of polycarbonate blend, which offers a high level of chemical resistance against many of the powerful disinfectants used to wipe down hospital room surfaces and equipment today. Using a material with high chemical resistance can help reduce the prevalence of hospital-acquired infections, improve patient outcomes and extend the life of medical devices exposed to these powerful disinfectants.

· Makrolon® Rx2440 polycarbonate: This clear, medical-grade polycarbonate has an outstanding combination of rigidity, toughness, high flow and unique color-recovery after irradiation. Like all medical Makrolon polycarbonate grades from Bayer, Makrolon Rx2440 polycarbonate resin can be used in a variety of medical device applications, including IV access, respiratory, surgical and renal care.

· Bayfol® UX502 thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) film: This newly developed composite film is used in medical packaging, helping to protect sensitive medical devices like orthopedic implants. Bayfol UX502 provides the required high abrasion resistance of TPU and the ease of thermoforming provided by PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified).

· Platilon® and Dureflex® films: Wound dressings made with these films help protect wounds from environmental influences and accelerate the healing process with their high breathability. They fit and look like a second skin for patient comfort. These films can also be used to make surgical drapes that are skin-friendly and conform to the patient’s body shape. Surgeons value the customized surfaces and excellent adhesion for easy peel-off after surgery.

· Baymedix® A raw material: This adhesive is targeted for skin adherence in wound care and biosensor applications. It offers adjustable adhesive strengths, hydroselectivity, gentle removal comparable to silicone adhesives and is compatible with common sterilization technologies.

· Baymedix® FP reactive foam technology: This solution enables the production of very smooth and conformable foams that are non-yellowing, have high absorption rates and great fluid retention capability.

Innovative applications
· The Super Staple™ Classic: This instrument from Metric Medical provides a superior and instantaneous bone compression force designed to improve bone healing and reduce complications. Metric Medical selected Makrolon Rx2530 polycarbonate to form the housing of this device.

· EntreVu® EX: This clear arthroscopic access cannula body was designed by Cannuflow to help with fluid management during arthroscopic surgery. Bayer’s Makrolon Rx1452 polycarbonate was chosen due to its moldability and biocompatibility. Clarity was also important as it helps the surgeon more easily see surgical knots.

· Q-FLO™: Infusion Innovations Inc.’s (I3) Q-FLO™ valve connector is molded from Makrolon polycarbonate. According to the manufacturer, the Q-FLO connector offers improved safety and convenience for healthcare workers administering cytotoxic drugs to patients. This application required a reliable material meeting U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements along with a proven safety and functional profile.

· Powerheart® G5 automated external defibrillator (AED): Cardiac Science Corporation selected Bayblend® FR3010 polycarbonate/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC/ABS) blend resin based on the material’s superior impact performance, overall strength and UL flame rating. Specific colors for the device were chosen from Bayer’s LEDA® compounded color technology palette.

Attendees at MD&M West Conference and Exposition, Feb. 10-13 in Anaheim, Calif., can visit Bayer’s booth (#2021) for more details about Bayer’s material solutions for medical applications.