Plastic Design Gives Tracheotomy Surgical Device Greater Performance in Military Combat Applications
New Modular Instrument Delivers Improved Ergonomics, Efficiency, Speed, and Safety for Medical Personnel
ANDERSON, S.C. - Tactical Medical Solutions Inc., a leading designer and manufacturer of innovative medical equipment for military combat environments, has introduced a new tracheotomy surgical device which provides improved ergonomics, efficiency, speed, and safety for medics and other medical personnel. The surgical device features polycarbonate handles for the hook and blade and is the industry's first modular instrument which allows the end-user greater flexibility. It is manufactured by Plas-Tech Engineering Inc., a leading custom molder of medical devices based in Lake Geneva, Wis.
The new tracheotomy device combines the hook and blade in one structure, replacing what was previously two separate parts. The hook handle is the first made of plastic, replacing metal. "Through this consolidation we've been able to create a compact device highly suited for the battlefield environment," explained R. Alan Hester, director of research & development for Tactical Medical. "Medics now have more options and can perform techniques more efficiently, quicker, and with greater safety."
Plas-Tech Engineering provided full-service capabilities from design to final assembly. The medical custom molder worked to optimize the design for manufacturing and incorporated unique ergonomic features for easier use and greater control during surgical procedures. Plas-Tech performs an insert molding operation to produce the hook component. In a separate process, the blade component is produced by ultrasonically welding the blade to the injection molded polycarbonate handle. Ultrasonic welding, pad printing, and final assembly are all completed in an ISO Class 6 clean room.
Polycarbonate was chosen for its high strength and sterilizability via ethylene oxide (ETO) and gamma ray processes. PC is a USP Class VI registered material and offers cost-saving design advantages, permitting the attachment of a small LED light on the device.
The tracheotomy surgical device - available May 31 - is targeted for military use at the U.S. Defense Department, State Department, and private defense contractors. Other key users in the civilian sector include first responders, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and paramedics.
About Tactical Medical Solutions Inc.
Tactical Medical Solutions Inc., based in Anderson, S.C., is a designer and manufacturer of tactical and medical equipment for the military combat environment. The company's wider range of products are developed by experienced tactical medical professionals and tested in the toughest environments in the world. All of the company's employees are former tactical medical professionals. The company understands the principles of human performance as it relates to combat stress and works to design products to complement that performance not complicate it. For more information, visit, www.tacmedsolutions.com.
About Plas-Tech Engineering Inc.
Plas-Tech Engineering, based in Lake Geneva, Wis., serves the medical device, biopharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries by providing distinctive plastic parts and first-class molds. The company specializes in sophisticated molding processes, medical grade materials for injection molding, intricate tooling, and highly engineered components for the medical device and pharmaceutical delivery and packaging markets. Through early design involvement, Plas-Tech focuses on optimized design for manufacturability, design for assembly, and material processing to help customers meet cost targets. For more information, visit www.plastechengineering.com.
