Stent Delivery Systems

In the event of restricted blood flow in an artery, it is fairly common practice to fit stents. Stents are comprised of a wire mesh that collapses to a very small diameter when initially inserted. It can then be opened and expanded when the restricted artery area is located, resulting in a widened artery and improved blood flow.

The surgeon expands the stent via a handheld mechanical trigger that works by rotating a wheel or twisting the device. It is the mechanical trigger where Delrin® SC is used. The device relies on interacting sliding surfaces and therefore needs the superior low wear and friction properties of Delrin® SC. Due to the designs needing precise control and accuracy, it is crucially important the surfaces do not stick or judder - grades such as Delrin® SC698 help to prevent this.

Delrin® SC is a medically approved portfolio of homopolymer acetal. Compared to acetal copolymer, Delrin® acetal homopolymer offers higher tensile strength, stiffness, creep and fatigue resistance, and significantly higher impact resistance. The extra mechanical properties of Delrin® allow for parts to be made thinner and smaller, whilst delivering the same performance of a thicker, less compact copolymer acetal moulding.

Spotlight on Delrin® SC:

• Low wear and friction
• Super low friction grades
• High modulus and rigidity
• Medically approved

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