Coiling Catheter

Coiling Catheter

Processing Methods of Coiling Catheters

1. Material Selection

• Polymers: Common materials includePTFE,  Nylon, Polyurethane, Polyethylene, and PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone) for the catheter body.
• Metal Wires: Stainless steel or nitinol are typically used for the coiling process, providing strength and flexibility.

2. Coiling Process

1. Wire Coiling:

   • Equipment: Specialized coiling machines wind metal wires around a mandrel or the catheter body in a helical pattern.
   • Mandrels: These are used to maintain the catheter’s internal diameter and shape during coiling.

2. Extrusion:

   • Over-Extrusion: A polymer layer is extruded over the coiled structure to provide a smooth surface and encapsulate the coil.
   • Co-Extrusion: This involves extruding multiple layers of polymer material around the coiled wire.

3. Heat Treatment:

   • Annealing: Applied to metal coils to relieve internal stresses and improve flexibility.
   • Sterilization: Methods such as gamma irradiation or ethylene oxide sterilization are used to ensure the catheter is sterile for medical use.

3. Quality Control

• Inspection: Visual and microscopic inspections are performed to check for defects.
• Testing: Mechanical tests (e.g., tensile strength, flexibility, kink resistance) and biocompatibility tests are carried out to ensure the catheter meets regulatory standards.

Applications of Coiling Catheters

• Cardiovascular Procedures:

  • Angioplasty: Coiling catheters are used to navigate through blood vessels and deliver stents to treat blockages.
  • Electrophysiology: Used in procedures like ablation to treat arrhythmias.

• Neurovascular Interventions:

  • Embolization: Catheters deliver embolic agents to treat aneurysms or arteriovenous malformations.
  • Thrombectomy: Removing clots from the brain in stroke patients.

• Gastrointestinal Procedures:

  • Endoscopy: Coiling catheters provide flexibility and control for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
  • Stent Placement: Used to place stents in bile ducts or other gastrointestinal pathways.

• Urological Procedures:

  • Stone Retrieval: Catheters help in the retrieval of kidney stones.
  • Stent Placement: To maintain ureteral patency.

• Peripheral Vascular Procedures:

  • Angiography: Used for diagnostic imaging of peripheral blood vessels.
  • Atherectomy: Removal of plaque from peripheral arteries.

• Oncology:

  • Catheter-Based Drug Delivery: Direct delivery of chemotherapy drugs to tumors.

Advantages of Coiling Catheters

• Enhanced Mechanical Properties: Improved flexibility, kink resistance, and durability due to the coiled structure.
• Flexibility: Can navigate through complex vascular anatomies.
• Precision: Offers better control during delicate procedures.

Challenges and Considerations

• Complex Manufacturing: Requires precise control over the coiling process and materials.
• Cost: Higher production costs due to advanced manufacturing techniques.
• Biocompatibility: Ensuring that the materials used do not cause adverse reactions in the body.

Innovations in Coiling Techniques

1. Advanced Materials: The development of new alloys and high-performance polymers to improve catheter performance.
2. Hybrid Coiling: Combining metal coils with polymeric structures to achieve a balance of strength and flexibility.
3. Micro-Coiling: Techniques to produce finer coils for use in smaller, more intricate catheters, such as those used in neurovascular procedures.

Comparison with Braided Catheters

• Flexibility: Coiling generally provides greater flexibility compared to braiding.
• Strength: Braiding can offer higher tensile strength and torque control, making it suitable for more demanding applications.
• Kink Resistance: Both coiling and braiding improve kink resistance, but the choice depends on the specific application and required properties.

Coiling techniques continue to evolve, with ongoing research and development aimed at enhancing the mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and overall performance of coiling catheters. These advancements are essential for the successful application of catheters in increasingly complex medical procedures.

Why Choose Micro-tube As Your Polymer Solutions Provider?

Micro-tube specializes in extrusion tubes for various polymers.

Micro-tube’ history and reputation of partnering with manufacturers and research and development groups is long well-recognized. Today, companies – whether well-established or start-up – know that when they come to us, we deliver! Micro-tube can assist with process development, design challenges, materials guidance, prototype development, to quality support. We have our own certified testing and analytical laboratories with an extensive range of materials science capabilities. We take your reputation as seriously as you do! No other company delivers the consistency, dependability, and unparalleled innovation of Micro-tube.

Micro-tube Capabilities

>Inner diameter range: 0.0059″~0.3937″ / 0.15~10.0mm
>Outer diameter range: 0.0079″~0.4724″ / 0.20~12.00mm
>Length: Customized
>Wire coiling selection: round wire or flat wire， 0.025mm，0.038mm， 0.05mm etc.
>Accuracy: ±0.03mm
>Color: Transparent or customized
>Radiologic: Pure, BaSO4,Wi, Bi2O3