Kingsport, Tenn., USA Nov. 14, 2012 A. Hopf GmbH has expanded its portfolio of medical device components by launching a new range of 3-way stopcocks and Y-connectors for use in enteral feeding systems. These BPA-free stopcocks and Y-connectors are designed with an interconnection safety which prevents mix ups between enteral and parenteral syringes. The new stopcocks and Y-connectors are made with Eastman Chemical Companys Tritan" copolyester, a material that provides toughness, chemical resistance and colour stability post-sterilization. Tritan, a new-generation copolyester, also is free of bisphenol A (BPA).
Because of the European Unions ban on BPA in infant care products such as soothers and feeding bottles, we decided to use Eastman Tritan" copolyester for our medical devices, including those used with babies, such as the 3-way stopcocks or Y-connectors, said Michael Hopf, sales manager, A. Hopf GmbH. Tritan provides a durable BPA-free solution, that also meets our functional and aesthetic needs.
Eastman Tritan" copolyester maintains clarity and colour after sterilization, providing excellent aesthetic appeal and helping boost patient and health care providers confidence. A devices shape and dimensions also remain intact after both ethylene oxide (EtO) and gamma sterilization. Additionally, chemical resistance and solvent bonding with tube systems are not affected by either procedure.
Besides enteral nutrition, these innovative products also can be used for cytostatic therapy and infusion and transfusion therapy, such as blood therapy. In relation to the use of raw material, Eastman Tritan" copolyester meets the demands of USP Class VI, which judges the suitability of plastic material intended for use as an accessory for parenteral preparations, and FDA/ISO 10993, which evaluates the biocompatibility of medical devices to help ensure patient safety.
For A. Hopf GmbH, a great advantage of working with Eastman is its forward-thinking approach to material innovations, which has allowed us to develop products that provide improved patient safety and peace of mind, said Hopf.
The A. Hopf GmbH 3-way stopcocks made with Eastman Tritan" copolyester will be showcased at the Compamed 2012 International Trade Fair in DĂĽsseldorf, Germany, Nov. 14-16, at Eastman Booth P04 and A. Hopf GmbH Booth K14, both in Hall 8a.
For more information about Eastman Tritan" copolyester, visit www.eastman.com/tritan.
For more information about A. Hopf GmbH, visit www.hopf-kunststoff.de.