ConMed Linvatec Launches First UL-Approved Autoclavable Battery for Powered Surgical Tools
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Solvay's AvaSpire® PAEK Delivers Strength, Steam Sterilizability, and Chemical Resistance for Battery Enclosure
ALPHARETTA, Ga. – ConMed Linvatec, a leading global supplier of arthroscopic devices, multi-specialty endoscopic medical video systems, and powered surgical instruments, has developed the industry's first UL-approved autoclavable battery. The Hall® Lithium Battery system, which powers surgical tools for reconstructive orthopedic procedures, features a battery housing made of AvaSpire® polyaryletherketone (PAEK) resin from Solvay Specialty Polymers.
The recently introduced L3000LG version of the Hall® Lithium Battery System represents the latest in battery technology for powered medical instruments. Its Lithium-powered performance provides nearly twice the power of standard batteries¹ for uninterrupted use during demanding procedures. The novel battery system also provides significantly longer battery life and product life than standard batteries¹, resulting in greater cost savings. It is 25% lighter than standard batteries¹ and designed with environmentally acceptable materials for recyclability.
The battery has the ability to be immediately autoclaved with other instruments in a single tray, unlike standard batteries¹. AvaSpire® PAEK is used to injection mold the black rectangular enclosures which measure 3.5-in (8.9 cm) high, 3.25-in (8.25 cm) long, and 2.5-in (6.35 cm) wide. AvaSpire® PAEK is capable of withstanding an autoclave temperature of 134°C (275°F) and is chemically compatible with aggressive hospital disinfectants and cleansers. The high-performance 30% glass-filled grade of AvaSpire® PAEK provides high strength, ductility, and impact resistance, along with a UL 94 V0 flammability rating at 0.8 mm.
"While AvaSpire® PAEK provides high performance in this innovative new battery system, it is the product's unique combination of properties that sets it apart from competitive materials," said Mike DeCesare, R&D engineer for ConMed Linvatec.
The three-piece battery pack consists of a lever and two enclosures made of AvaSpire® PAEK which are welded together. ConMed Linvatec expects to use AvaSpire® PAEK in similar lithium battery designs including the L3000SM model which is scheduled to be launched next year.
AvaSpire® is a versatile family of polyaryletherketone (PAEK) resins that are tailored to provide new and unique combinations of performance and value. The AV-600 Series delivers a range of distinctive performance attributes with some grades offering more attractive economics when compared to PEEK. The AV-700 Series offers comparable performance to PEEK at up to a 30% lower cost.
¹Compared to Linvatec's Standard Large Nicad Battery PRO3011
About ConMed Linvatec
ConMed Linvatec, based in Largo, Fla., is a developer and manufacturer of medical devices and disposable products. A global market share leader in arthroscopy and orthopedic-powered instruments, over the years ConMed Linvatec has expanded its product lines to include ENT and Neuro-Powered instruments as well as multi-specialty endoscopy systems. Orthopedic surgeons use ConMed Linvatec arthroscopic instrumentation, implants, fixation and tissue repair systems with brand names that include Linvatec and Shutt®, for diagnostic purposes, minor surgeries, and complex reconstructions of knees, shoulders, and small joints such as the wrist and ankle. The famous Hall® Surgical line of powered surgical instrumentation featuring the PowerPro® system and a comprehensive line of accessories all remain the standard of care in oral/maxillofacial, otolaryngology, podiatry, thoracic, hand and neurosurgery. For more information, visit www.conmed.com.
About Solvay Specialty Polymers Â
Solvay Specialty Polymers is a leading global supplier of high-performance thermoplastics for implantable and non-implantable medical devices. The company has expanded its focus on the healthcare industry to meet the growing needs of its global customers. Solvay is building on its 20-year history as a key material supplier in the healthcare field, devoting considerable new resources to help customers be more efficient and cut costs. Metal-to-plastic replacement remains a key focus for manufacturers, but increased cost pressures pose a new challenge as the market continues to grow at a double-digit pace. Solvay also continues to devote considerable research and development activities to polymer technology and commercialization of new and unique material options for medical OEMs and processors.
The company supplies over 1500 products across 35 brands of high-performance polymers – fluoropolymers, fluoroelastomers, fluorinated fluids, semi-aromatic polyamides, sulfone polymers, aromatic ultra polymers, high-barrier polymers and cross-linked high-performance compounds – for use in Aerospace, Alternative Energy, Automotive, Healthcare, Membranes, Oil and Gas, Packaging, Plumbing, Semiconductors, Wire and Cable, and other markets. Learn more at www.solvay.com.
As an international chemical group, SOLVAY assists industries in finding and implementing ever more responsible and value-creating solutions. The Group is firmly committed to sustainable development and focused on innovation and operational excellence. Solvay serves diversified markets, generating 90% of its turnover in activities where it is one of the top three worldwide. The group is headquartered in Brussels, employs about 29,000 people in 55 countries and generated 12.4 billion euros in net sales in 2012. Solvay SA SOLB.BE) is listed on NYSE Euronext in Brussels and Paris (Bloomberg: SOLB.BB - Reuters: SOLBt.BR).
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Joseph Grande
Media Relations
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