Gage measures radial expansion force.

Press Release Summary:

Software-controlled RX500 Radial Expansion Force Gage equipment measures hoop force of stent and stent graft products during expansion and compression. Equipment employs segmental compression mechanism that provides low-friction testing environment, and interchangeable linear force transducer that maintains resolution at hoop force levels from 0-18 Newtons. Product measures hysteresis, hoop strength, and creep, which can be visualized and recorded.


Original Press Release:

Radial Expansion Force Measurement Equipment

The RX500 Radial Expansion Force Gage equipment from Machine Solutions Inc. (MSI) is designed to measure the hoop force of stent and stent graft products during expansion and compression. At the core of the RX500 equipment is the MSI proprietary segmental compression mechanism that is specifically designed to provide an extremely low friction testing environment. Hoop force is the outward force that originates at the center of a tube and is equal in all directions. In the case of balloon expandable stents, it is the force that the stent exerts on a blood vessel. In the case of self-expanding stents, it is the force that the stent is applying while it expands. If a stent product does not produce enough outward force on the vessel it may slip within the vessel, provide a path for leakage, or collapse under the pressure of the vessel. The FDA requires that some form of a hoop force test is done on all stents prior to approval. The RX500 equipment is software controlled utilizing an interchangeable linear force transducer to maintain resolution at hoop force levels from 0 to 18 Newtons. The RX500 equipment will measure hysteresis, hoop strength, and creep of the product which can be visualized and recorded as the product is cycled through programmed open and close diameters by a micro-stepping linear actuator. Advantages over current expansion force measurement techniques: · Decreased set up time · Simplified data acquisition · Improved repeatability and reproducibility · Increased accuracy and resolution · Head can be completely encapsulated in a temperature chamber · Product can be deployed directly into head · Data strings set up for excel · Easily calibrated · Low maintenance MSI will be demonstrating the RX500 at the MEDTEC Exhibition in Galway Ireland September 17 - 18, 2003 and at the MDM Minneapolis October 29 - 30, 2003. For additional information on the MSI Catheter and Stent Testing product group, please visit our website at machinesolutions.org/testing_products.htm or feel free to email us at info@machinesolutions.org and a representative will contact you.

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