| LCPs are thermoplastic resins that exhibit properties such as exceptional mechanical strength, heat tolerance for autoclaving, and chemical inertness. LCP materials are used in many high performance applications including, but not limited to, automotive, electronic, medical device, and food containers. These aromatic polyester plastics are often difficult to process, however, and can be cost-prohibitive to maximize end-user benefit. Zeus has successfully developed a process to manufacture LCP as a monofilament fiber with all of the significant properties commonly associated with this material. Zeus LCP monofilament fibers exhibit exceptionally high tensile strength and stiffness – properties not seen in similar monofilaments made from materials such as nylon, polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), and even PEEK. These characteristics make Zeus LCP fibers ideal candidates to replace nitinol and other metals used as braiding reinforcement in traditional catheter construction. A nonmetallic catheter braid allows for guidance under magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in lieu of x–ray thus reducing radiation exposure for both the patient and clinician. |
