Solvay Announces Integra LifeSciences Agreement to Use Eviva® PSU in Integra's Brain Shunt Valves
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Solvay Announces Integra LifeSciences Agreement to
Use Eviva® PSU in Integra's Brain Shunt Valves
Biomaterial Assists in Management of Hydrocephalus
ALPHARETTA, Ga., November 1, 2011 - Implantable brain shunt valves from Integra LifeSciences Corporation, Plainsboro, N.J., a leading medical device manufacturer, are partially composed of Eviva® polysulfone (PSU) resin from Solvay Specialty Polymers USA, LLC. Eviva PSU resin is part of Solvay's Solviva® line of biomaterials offered for use in implantable medical devices.
Integra's shunt is part of a multi-piece assembly, which is implanted during brain surgery for hydrocephalus fluid management. These implantable stunts are injection molded by Integra LifeSciences.
Eviva PSU is a transparent resin that offers practical toughness. The material maintains its dimensional tolerance right out of the mold and requires no machining.
Eviva PSU and the entire line of Solviva Biomaterials are manufactured in compliance with ISO 13485 and under the relevant aspects of current Good Manufacturing Practices. Solvay's biomaterial manufacturing processes are carefully validated, and enhanced controls provide product traceability. In addition, all materials are tested in an accredited lab that is ISO 17025 compliant.
In addition to Eviva PSU, the Solviva Biomaterials line includes Zeniva® polyetheretherketone (PEEK), which boasts a modulus very close to that of bone, plus excellent toughness and fatigue resistance; Proniva® self-reinforced polyphenylene (SRP), one of the world's stiffest and strongest unreinforced thermoplastic, which offers exceptional chemical resistance and hardness; and Veriva® polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), which provides unsurpassed toughness combined with transparency and excellent chemical resistance.
Solvay's experience as a key materials supplier in the healthcare field spans more than 20 years. The company recently expanded its focus on the healthcare industry by creating a dual-pronged management team for implantable and non-implantable medical devices to meet the growing needs of its global customers. In addition to a new management structure, Solvay Specialty Polymers announced a 50% increase in staffing for sales, marketing, and technology functions in the U.S. and Europe. Plans for further expansion in Asia-Pacific are also underway.
About Integra LifeSciences
Integra LifeSciences, a world leader in the manufacture of medical devices, is dedicated to limiting uncertainty for surgeons so they can concentrate on providing the best patient care. Integra offers innovative solutions in orthopedics, neurosurgery, spine, reconstructive, and general surgery. For more information, visit www.integralife.com.
About Solvay Specialty Polymers
Solvay Specialty Polymers manufactures more products with more performance than any other polymer company in the world. The company supplies over 1500 products across 33 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 & Gas, Packaging, Plumbing, Semiconductors, Wire & Cable, and other markets. Learn more at www.solvayspecialtypolymers.com.
Solvay is an international chemical Group committed to sustainable development with a clear focus on innovation and operational excellence. Its recent acquisition of specialty chemicals company Rhodia created a much larger player which is realizing over 90% of its sales in markets where it is among the top 3 global leaders. Solvay offers a broad range of products that contribute to improving quality of life and its customers' performance in markets such as consumer goods, construction, automotive, energy, water and environment, and electronics. The Group is headquartered in Brussels and its companies employ about 30,000 people in 55 countries and generated EUR 12 billion in sales (pro forma) in 2010. Solvay SA is listed on NYSE Euronext (SOLB.BE - Bloomberg: SOLB.BB - Reuters: SOLBt.BR).
Press Contact:
Joseph Grande
413.684.2463
