Matter In Hand: How Plasma Can Aid Catheter Manufacturing
Catheter function and patient health rely on strict material biocompatibility in order to prevent pathogen introduction and propagation and to reduce instances of associated urological and vascular problems.
Plasma surface modification is proving to be a reliable and effective method for treating various component materials, and also finished devices, in order to minimise the potentially harmful side effects of catheter use.
Plasmas can be tailored to deliver surface properties including anti-fouling, anti-microbial and increased lubricity amongst others. They can achieve a range of desirable properties either directly – by polymeric deposition – or indirectly, by introducing intermediate functional layers prior to application of a final surface finish or coating.
Plasma surface modification is proving to be a reliable and effective method for treating various component materials, and also finished devices, in order to minimise the potentially harmful side effects of catheter use.
Plasmas can be tailored to deliver surface properties including anti-fouling, anti-microbial and increased lubricity amongst others. They can achieve a range of desirable properties either directly – by polymeric deposition – or indirectly, by introducing intermediate functional layers prior to application of a final surface finish or coating.