Zeus’ FluoroPEELZ™ offers medical device manufacturers a peelable heat shrink that simplifies catheter manufacturing. Now available in ratios up to 2:1, FluoroPEELZ™ helps accelerate production, increase yields, and improve safety.
Catheter construction is a delicate process with no room for error. The final step of removing the recovered heat shrink from over the outer shaft of the catheter is often the most critical and laborious. Now, with a simple linear tear, FluoroPEELZ™ brings simplicity to this final step.
FluoroPEELZ™ performs well in neurovascular and other small diameter microcatheter applications. Used over low durometer jackets such as Pebax®, polyurethanes, and nylons, FluoroPEELZ™ eliminates nicks that have plagued operators and quality engineers for decades created by “skiving off” FEP heat shrink.
In order to reduce downstream processing and increase yields, FluoroPEELZ™ is being adopted into legacy catheter lines due to the cost savings this heat shrink provides. With dwell times and recovery temperatures consistent with traditional FEP heat shrink, no additional investment is needed to switch from FEP to FluoroPEELZ™.
The high optical clarity of FluoroPEELZ™ allows operators to visually inspect the construction during the reflow process. Once removed, FluoroPEELZ™ produces a smooth and void-free exterior finish.
FluoroPEELZ™ parts without colorants or additives have been tested for biocompatibility. USP Class VI, ANSI/AAMI/ISO 10993-4, and ANSI/AAMI/ ISO 10993-5 information is available upon request.
Balloon Tacking / Welding – Zeus FluoroPEELZ™ heat shrink provides an excellent means for welding balloons to dilation or drug delivery catheters. FluoroPEELZ™ is a superior alternative to polyolefin heat shrink, is easier to remove, and is not prone to tearing or damaging the balloon upon removal. If you prefer laser heating for your heat shrink recovery, FluoroPEELZ™ can be pigmented for use with CO2 laser recovery.
Catheter Construction – Used over nylon or Pebax® jacketing during catheter construction, Zeus FluoroPEELZ™ peelable heat shrink encapsulates the underlying jacketing while heat is applied to the outer FluoroPEELZ™ layer. The applied heat also melts the underlying jacketing material allowing the jacket to reflow into the catheter braiding thus bonding the catheter base liner, braiding, and jacketing together. Once the jacket material has cured, the recovered FluoroPEELZ™ top layer is removed beginning with the FluoroPEELZ™ slit fixture.
Packaging / Balloon and Stent Protectors – As non-heat shrinkable extruded tubing, FluoroPEELZ™ is also available for use as packaging aids to protect catheter balloons, stents, or balloon-stent assemblies during the manufacturing process. Balloon and stent assemblies are held securely and protected within the FluoroPEELZ™ encapsulation until they are ready for use.
High Shrink Ratio – Zeus FluoroPEELZ™ peelable heat shrink can accommodate larger tapers and catheter diameter transitions with shrink ratios up to 2:1.
Easily Removed – With the FluoroPEELZ™ slit fixture, the tear process is easily begun with a precisely centered cut at the end of the recovered FluoroPEELZ™ heat shrink.
Safe – The FluoroPEELZ™ slit fixture contains a fully encapsulated blade completely shielding operators from contact with the cutting edge during normal use. The FluoroPEELZ™ slit fixture also precisely centers the blade for cutting; this eliminates the need for operators having to manually re-cut the end of the heat shrink to start the peeling process.
Reduces Downstream Processing – The foolproof nature of FluoroPEELZ™ and the FluoroPEELZ™ slit fixture minimize rework and make the normal production process more expedient. Reduced processing means money saved!
Visual Inspection After Reflow – Because FluoroPEELZ™ is transparent, production personnel can see the result of the reflow process as it happens. Detection of defects early in the production process allows corrective actions to be initiated sooner minimizing lost production time and product.
Smooth Catheter Surface Finish – The lubricious nature of FluoroPEELZ™ prevents it from adhering or interacting with the underlying jacketing material of the catheter. This result is a smooth catheter finish when the FluoroPEELZ™ is peeled away.
Moderate Recovery Temperature – We recommend beginning the FluoroPEELZ™ recovery process at 420 °F (215 °C). This temperature is significantly lower than many other polymer heat shrinks insuring that a mandrel or liner made of PTFE will not reflow during the heat shrink process of catheter construction.
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