TPE for Medical Drip Chambers

Are new tools required for processing TPE for drip chambers?​

We can answer this question with a resounding No! Like soft PVC, TPE are ideal for processing in injection-molding and even on the same machines with the result that no new investments are required. Both the drip chamber and the tube components can be made thanks to this processability in injection-molding. ACTEGA relies on TPE-S solutions here, whereby a conscious effort is made to dispense with the use of plasticizers and ingredients containing BPA or phthalates, which also translates into our contribution to sustainability.​

Does gamma sterilization impair transparency of the drip chambers manufactured from ProvaMed^® TPE?​

ProvaMed^® TPE for drip chambers can be sterilized with both ethylene oxide (EtO) and gamma rays. And without any negative impact on the material features or on the functionality of the bonding points, such as between the drip chamber and the tube. Unlike soft PVC, which often tends to discolor after sterilization by gamma rays, this does not happen to TPE, something which has also been verified by independent test institutes. In the case of high-energy, ionizing gamma rays, which inactivates microorganisms, the materials are sterilized with doses of 25 kGy and 50 kGy. Apart from ionizing radiation, i.e. alpha, beta and gamma rays, artificial forms of radiation – such as electron beams or e-beams – are also available, where the sterilization process only takes a few seconds and is less energy-intensive than gamma radiation. As not all plastics have proven suitable for these sterilization processes, it is of advantage that the ProvaMed^® TPE are eminently suitable in this regard.​

Are the materials used for drip chambers and IV sets compatible with the medication administered, e.g. with cytostatics?​

As PVC is not compatible with some medication, such as cytostatics, for example, and cannot therefore be used, we always need to examine in great detail any interactions in advance when PVC comes into direct contact with medication. Therefore, it is advantageous during therapy, e.g. in oncology, if TPE have been used for manufacturing drip chambers and IV sets as they are generally compatible. Other active ingredients, which are not suitable for contact with PVC, include taxol, nitroglycerine, diazepam or even insulin.​

Currently ACTEGA offers three TPE products (ProvaMed^® D1341 TP, D1345 TP and D1349 TP) for medical drip chambers: Are there any other products in other Shore hardnesses or will they be available in the foreseeable future?​

Our designers have been working intensively on many different formulations from which they have developed a whole range of other variants featuring various configurations, e.g. in terms of modulus of elasticity, rigidity, flexibility, resilience, and bonding capacity with various materials. As a result, there is a wide portfolio of TPE formulations available for drip chambers and IV sets. For example, we have already included a softer, equally ultra-transparent TPE variant in the portfolio, which displays a Shore hardness of A-80. The portfolio of ProvaMed^® TPE formulations is steadily growing, becoming increasingly extensive, and can be tailored to any specific drip chamber application.​

What advantage is there to PVC-free and what is bad about PVC?​

Some may ask themselves why PVC, which has proven its worth in many medical applications, is even subject to criticism at all, considering the fact that it is regarded as being such an inexpensive material with good processing properties. The problem is multi-layered, even if a patient is only “on a drip” once for a manageable period of time, which is rather rare in any case. Many people need regular use and/or for a longer period of time or are undergoing long-term therapy. But there are two other reasons, too: on the one hand, plasticizers can dissolve out of the PVC material; on the other hand, certain active pharmaceutical ingredients are deposited on the PVC surface. This adsorption is then accompanied by undesired loss of active ingredient, i.e. lower dosage. And beyond that, it is necessary not to lose sight of the environmental problem that arises when disposing of PVC. For this reason, many people have already started to rethink the use of PVC-free materials.​