Invivo Corp.'s new Luminescence Breast System (LBS), an MRI system for diagnostic imaging and biopsy, features an immobilization system that includes several integral parts made of AvaSpire® AV-651 modified PEEK (polyetheretherketone) from Solvay Advanced Polymers, LLC. The manufacturer, custom molder Nicolet Plastics Inc., Mountain, Wis., says these unreinforced modified PEEK parts - ratchet springs, fiducial body markers, and lock levers - boast high rigidity, chemical resistance, and superior hydrolytic stability. The immobilization system is a two-plate unit which holds the anatomy in place during imaging and biopsy, according to Michael Grobe, Nicolet Plastics project manager. The 3/16-inch-thick lock levers lock the plates onto the LBS unit, the ratchet springs lock the frame onto the plate, and the fiducial body markers serve as tissue reference point locators.
AvaSpire AV-651 is said to provide better ductility and impact resistance than comparable PEEK grades, while retaining most of PEEK's other key performance attributes. It is specifically formulated for applications requiring a good balance of chemical resistance, mechanical strength, and environmental stress crack resistance (ESCR). The material provides good aesthetics and offers improved part economics versus comparable standard PEEK grades. AvaSpire AV-651 also exhibits low shrinkage, high dimensional stability, and withstands a broad range of standard cleaning agents and disinfectants. It is easily processed on standard injection molding machinery. Nicolet is working on new designs for the immobilization system and is considering AvaSpire modified PEEK grades for similar parts, according to Grobe.
24-Jun-09 
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