Southmedic, a Canadian medical device developer, contract manufacturer and national distributor, has launched a new and innovative safety scalpel system for surgeons. A key component of the CABO (Cutting Above & Beyond Objections) safety scalpel is the black safety scalpel blade holder that is made using DuPont™ Delrin® SC acetal resin (a Special Control grade) from DuPont Performance Polymers. The DuPont material has been specifically developed for parts requiring high-precision molding in the healthcare industry, provides superior stiffness, low friction and compliance with USP Class VI and ISO 10993 -5 and -11 regulations.
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| The CABO Scalpel shown in Image 1 demonstrates the system covering the blade and Image 2 the system retracted from the blade. |
The CABO system's safety cartridge fits all standard scalpel handles and unlike most safety mechanisms, its fully retractable sheath allows for a clear view of the scalpel blade and gives surgeons optimum weight, feel and function. The part made of Delrin® accommodates the key components of the scalpel system including the handle, blade and sheath.
Southmedic selected Delrin® SC acetal for its increased stiffness versus other competitive thermoplastics. The unreinforced material delivers metal-like properties but still provides a smooth surface for heavy-contact use by surgeons. The injection molded blade holder incorporates a snap-fit design so a clear retractable polycarbonate (PC) sheath and metal blade can be attached. The material’s low-friction properties ensure that the PC sheath slides easily along the substrate’s grooved track.
Delrin® acetal also provides excellent property retention to the ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization method used in this application. The blade and handle connector made with Delrin® measures approximately 2¾” long and 3/8” wide — and comes in two different sizes to accommodate various handles and blades used in surgical procedures.
The new safety scalpel is an important development because surgeons are faced with a growing number of safety mandates such as the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act in the United States, according to Ken Noseworthy, Southmedic’s vice president of Proprietary Sales and Business Development.
The range of high-performance polymers available from DuPont for use in medical devices is the focal point of the company’s exhibit at MD&M West in Anaheim, Calif., on Feb. 14-16, 2012, at Booth #1933. Visit us to see first hand a sample of the new safety scalpel system and find out how DuPont can help you find the materials needed for your medical application.
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DuPont offers one of the broadest portfolios of engineering plastics and thermoplastic elastomers for use in medical devices, surgical devices and diagnostic or pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment. These materials offer benefits including structural properties with lower density and ease of forming geometrically complicated parts. In addition, minimal finishing operations, rapid production cycles, and longer life with enhanced durability all contribute to cost savings. The DuPont healthcare product offering provides food agency compliance, as well as compliance with ISO 10993-5 and -11 and USP Class VI. Specialty healthcare products are manufactured following GMP. Beyond material supply, DuPont actively supports customers with assistance in material selection, part design, tool design and processing optimization. For more information, please see http://www.healthcare.plastics.dupont.com.
Established in 1983, Southmedic’s Domestic Division, based in Barrie, Ontario, is one of the largest independent distributors of operating room products in Canada with a dynamic and efficient sales force from coast to coast. The company specializes in surgical and specialty operating room products that require in-service. Southmedic is a vertically integrated custom manufacturing facility which specializes in cleanroom injection molding of medical components. The design team provides state-of-the-art 3D solid modeling capabilities and the manufacturing approach guarantees rapid delivery and cost-effective tooling. A certified Class 100,000 clean room houses modern injection molding machines ranging from 35 to 300 tons. Controlled- environment assembly facilities are also available. More information is available at www.southmedic.com.
DuPont (NYSE: DD) has been bringing world-class science and engineering to the global marketplace in the form of innovative products, materials, and services since 1802. The company believes that by collaborating with customers, governments, NGOs, and thought leaders we can help find solutions to such global challenges as providing enough healthy food for people everywhere, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, and protecting life and the environment. For additional information about DuPont and its commitment to inclusive innovation, please visit http://www.dupont.com.
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