Solvay Advanced Polymers with Secant Medical have formed a marketing partnership to promote the development and production of implantable biomedical fabric structures made of Zeniva PEEK (polyetheretherketone) fiber.The collaboration will result in the formation of a new supply chain that will provide medical OEMs with options to develop custom implantable fabrics made of Zeniva PEEK for therapeutic devices in orthopedics, cardiovascular, tissue engineering, neurology, and general surgery. Along with Solvay Advanced Polymers and Secant Medical, the agreement includes an undisclosed fiber manufacturer.
“This partnership further solidifies our position as a strategic material supplier in the healthcare industry,” said Shawn Shorrock, global healthcare market manager for Solvay Advanced Polymers. “This new material solution is being offered in direct response to customer demands and meets their strict performance requirements.”
“Our collaboration will expand Secant Medical’s offering, broaden our ability to help clients to innovate their concepts, and further expand our leadership position in biomedical textiles engineering,” said Karen West, vice president of advanced technologies for Secant Medical.
Secant Medical uses high-performance metallic and polymeric biomaterials in various combinations to manufacture a range of woven, knitted, and braided fabrics for implantable devices. Custom applications include high-strength sutures, bone anchoring devices, rotator cuff and arthroscopic joint repair, spinal stabilization and disc repair and replacement, textile-based heart valves and vascular grafts, and lightweight textile mesh structures for a variety of surgical procedures that require tissue reinforcement and wound support.
Solvay’s Zeniva PEEK boasts a modulus very close to that of bone plus excellent biocompatibility, toughness, and fatigue resistance. Zeniva PEEK and the entire line of Solviva Biomaterials are manufactured in compliance with the relevant aspects of ISO 13485 and under the relevant aspects of current Good Manufacturing Practices. Solvay’s biomaterial manufacturing processes are carefully validated and enhanced controls provide product traceability. In addition, all materials are tested in an accredited lab that is ISO 17025 compliant.
Solvay’s experience as a key materials supplier in the healthcare field spans more than 20 years. The company is a leading manufacturer of high-performance plastics, offering a broad range of materials for healthcare instruments and medical devices.
