Introduction:

The relentless pursuit of smaller yet stronger micro catheters has become a hallmark in the medical field, driven by the imperative for enhanced precision and maneuverability in various medical procedures. This evolution spans critical domains such as neurology, cardiology, and vascular surgery, encompassing diagnostic, investigative, mapping, and interventional applications. Catheter design is a delicate balance between functionality and construction, with a focus on attributes like trackability, flexibility, pushability, and torqueability.

Engineering Considerations:

· The core engineering rationale behind embracing thin-walled PTFE liners lies in the quest to maximize the inner diameter. This strategic choice facilitates the unobstructed movement of guide wires and therapeutic devices, optimizing their deliverability to precise locations within the vasculature.

· Thin walls play a pivotal role in enhancing the overall flexibility of over-the-wire (OTW) catheters, enabling them to navigate through intricate vascular structures while maintaining structural integrity. Striking this delicate balance is crucial for ensuring the catheter's ability to negotiate tortuous pathways without compromising core strength.

· Reducing friction during catheter navigation is imperative for procedural safety and efficacy. The lubricious nature of PTFE, coupled with thin walls, contributes to smoother journeys through the vasculature, minimizing the risk of vessel trauma.

· Optimized radiopacity becomes paramount in procedures requiring real-time imaging, such as fluoroscopy. Thin-walled PTFE liners enhance visibility under imaging modalities, empowering physicians to monitor catheter position with unparalleled accuracy.

· Beyond mechanical attributes, biocompatibility takes center stage. Thin-walled PTFE liners can be meticulously designed to ensure excellent compatibility with the human body, mitigating the risk of adverse reactions.

MatrixLiner^® OTW PTFE Liners: A Technological Marvel

In the realm of producing thin-walled PTFE liners, various methods exist, including film cast, free-extrusion, and extrusion over-the-wire (OTW). Each method yields catheter liners with distinct features and design considerations. Free-extrusion, for instance, induces crystallite unwinding and fibril formation, enhancing the strength and rigidity observed in these liners. Conversely, film cast results in a more flexible yet comparatively weaker liner, as it lacks molecular orientation. Extrusion OTW strikes a balance, exhibiting features between free-extruded and film cast liners due to partial molecular orientation.

jMedCath, a subsidiary of the esteemed jMedtech Group that has emerged as a leader in polymer solutions, medical coating development, and material science innovation, has developed an innovative OTW extrusion technology. Leveraging on this exclusive PTFE extrusion process, jMedCath has introduced MatrixLiner^® OTW, setting a new standard for thin-walled extruded liners. This makes jMedCath the first in the Chinese domestic market and a pioneer in the world to provide ultra-thin walled OTW extruded PTFE liners.

Key Features and Advantages:

· Nominal wall thickness as low as 0.0005" (0.0127 mm) with a tight tolerance of +/- 0.00025" (0.00635 mm).

· Comparable flexibility to film cast PTFE liners but with superior strength.

· Shortened lead times for expedited time-to-market and reduced operational costs.

· Simplified production processes, providing straight, cut-to-length liners for streamlined integration.