Medical Device Market Pushes the Limits of Tubing

Medical device manufacturers are being challenged by strong market demand for tubing that delivers increased functionality, lower profiles, and lower costs—pushing the limits of material behavior and manufacturing science. Next-generation balloon catheters are expected to deliver significantly higher burst pressures and better puncture resistance. They are also being designed to transport target-specific drug-polymer payloads or flexible microelectronic packages to various parts of the human body. These enhanced miniaturization and functionality requirements of medical devices are also creating substantial design and manufacturability challenges. For example, how can an R&D team combine a 35-atm balloon with a robust weld and corresponding shaft tube, within a folded balloon profile that is compatible with a 0.065 inch sheath?