How PVC Helps in Medical Applications

MedTech Outlook | Friday, July 23, 2021

PVC is the most frequently used thermoplastic in the medical device industry.

FREMONT, CA: PVC was initially developed to take rubber and glass in flexible tubing and containers. When the demand for single-use pre-sterilized medical components increased, PVC began to dominate the market for these items. PVC is the most normally used material for the storage of intravenous fluids, dialysis solutions, and blood and blood products. It can be sterilized with steam at temperatures ranging from -40°C to 121°C. Additionally, PVC can be fixed using an ETO (Ethylene Oxide) and an Electron Beam Gamma Irradiation. Additionally, PVC can be joined using high-frequency welding, allowing for a wide variety of container shapes and attachments. PVC that is readily available on the market is highly branched and has low crystallinity. However, PVC with a high molecular weight (K-Value > 100 and a number average molecular weight of up to 150,000) has a more ordered structure, is less linear, and exhibits a higher degree of crystallinity. Containers made of this type of PVC are more robust, have superior characteristics, and have a firmer surface.

Below are some reasons why the medical industry utilizes PVC:

Safety

PVC must undergo extensive toxicological testing before being used in medical devices. As a result, all materials used to manufacture components for devices must undergo extensive testing and evaluation before being approved for medical use. PVC is safe, based on all available information from international environmental and health authorities.

Stability Chemical

Medical materials must be capable of accepting or conveying a variety of liquids without significantly altering their composition or properties. PVC has demonstrated its effectiveness in these areas.

Transparency and Clarity

PVC products can be formulated to be highly transparent, allowing for continuous monitoring of fluid flow. Additionally, it can be color-coded in virtually any color required.

Biocompatibility

When plastics come into direct contact with the tissue or blood, a high degree of compatibility between the tissue/blood and the material is required. This property becomes more significant the longer plastic is in contact with tissue or blood. PVC exhibits a high level of biocompatibility, which can be enhanced further through appropriate surface modification.

Flexibility, Robustness, and Reliability

PVC is a popular choice for medical product designers because of its versatility. PVC offers the flexibility required for blood bags and IV containers and the strength and durability needed for use in various temperatures and environments. PVC can be extruded, thermoformed, or blow-molded to create IV tubing, blister packaging, or rigid hollow containers.

Cost-Effective

PVC accounts for nearly one-third of the cost of medical plastics today, and thus its low cost has a significant impact on the overall cost of medical plastics. A switch to a different type of plastic could cost the healthcare industry hundreds of millions of dollars annually.