22-Sep-26
50% glass-fibre reinforced polyarylamide brings strength, dimensional stability and imaging compatibility to cardiothoracic device
Syensqo has announced that its Ixef® PARA GS-1022 BU01, a 50% glass-fibre reinforced polyarylamide (PARA), has been selected by medical device company Thoracic Innovations for its new BlueBridge™ Modular Sternal Spacer.
The BlueBridge device has been developed for use in the management of patients following complex cardiothoracic surgery. In certain procedures, surgeons may need to temporarily leave the chest open before final closure. The BlueBridge system is designed to help maintain appropriate spacing and stability within the chest during this period.
Thoracic Innovations selected Ixef® PARA GS-1022 BU01 for the device because of the combination of strength, stiffness and dimensional stability offered by the reinforced polyarylamide.
The material also supports precise and efficient injection moulding of the device components, an important consideration for a medical device requiring controlled dimensions and a modular design.
Ixef® PARA is a high-performance polyarylamide reinforced with glass fibre. According to Syensqo, the selected grade provides the mechanical performance and dimensional stability required for the demanding application while allowing the components to be efficiently moulded.
Another consideration in the material selection was compatibility with medical imaging procedures.
According to Syensqo, Ixef® PARA is compatible with imaging procedures commonly used in the management of cardiothoracic patients, including chest X-ray, coronary angiography, CT scanning and MRI.
This characteristic is relevant for a device used during intensive-care management, where patients may undergo repeated diagnostic imaging.
Syensqo worked with Thoracic Innovations during the development of BlueBridge, providing support in material selection as the device design evolved, as well as technical and regulatory information associated with the material.
Luiz Maracaja, MD, Founder of Thoracic Innovations, said that Syensqo supported the company during material selection and development of BlueBridge, including providing technical and regulatory information required for the device.
The selection of Ixef® PARA GS-1022 BU01 demonstrates the use of glass-fibre reinforced polyarylamide in a specialised medical-device application where mechanical strength, dimensional stability, moulding precision and imaging compatibility are important material requirements.
The BlueBridge application also highlights the broader role of engineering polymers in medical devices, where material selection needs to address not only mechanical and processing requirements but also the specific operating environment of the finished device.
For plastics processors and medical-device manufacturers, the development represents another application area for high-performance reinforced polyarylamide materials.
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