Braided implantable fabric is achieved by intertwining multiple strands (minimum 3) of wire or yarn in a diagonally overlapping pattern. The design is typically used for the manufacture of suture, braided stents, catheters or other implantable devices.
By using state of the art equipment Integer can offer complex design options, braiding over mandrel or reel-to-reel. By varying the braid parameters, mechanical properties can be tailored to suit design requirements, with the ability to transition between multiple configurations, such as:
- Solid Braid
- Hollow Core Braid
- Multi-Layer Braid
- Flat Braid
- Bifurcated/ Trifurcated/ Quadfurcated Braid
- Prolapsed Shapes & Discs
Integer has extensive experience braiding the following biomaterials
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is the most common resin of the Polyester family, and the fiber is often referred to as Dacron or Terylene in the medical device industry. All our PET is implantable grade, and we work with monofilament and multifilament input yarns to develop low-profile braided constructs for implantable use. The braids can be supplied as components or finished medical devices. Applications can include annuloplasty rings, frame membranes and low-profile sutures.
Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE)
UHMWPE is one of the strongest most durable polymers being used in medical textile development. Typical applications
include sports medicine applications such as high strength tapes and complex sutures. Integer is a trusted specialist of
DSM Dyneema® UHMWPE fiber
Radiopaque Yarn
Integer can also tailor textile solutions so that the implant can be detected via radiotherapy. We work with radiopaque
multifilament yarn so that the it is possible to detect and identify the device once implanted.
Resorbable Polymers
We also offer braiding of resorbable polymers. Integer has been working with resorbable polymers for over a decade,
creating various textile constructs. Some of the polymers we currently offer are:
- MG (Magnesium)
- PL Poly(L-Iactide)
- PC Poly(Ɛ-caprolactone)
- PLC Poly(L-Iactide/Ɛ-caprolactone)
- PLG Poly(L-Iactide/Glycolide)
- PDL Poly(DL-Iactide)
- PLDL Poly(L-DL Iactide)
- PG Poly(Glycolide)
- PDLG Poly(Glycolide)
- Polylactide (PLA)
Suture Development Options
We also offer braiding of resorbable polymers. Integer has been working with resorbable polymers for over a decade,
creating various textile constructs. Some of the polymers we currently offer are:
Fabric Integration
Additional conversion processes can also enable integration of multiple material forms, including
medical textile with non-woven fabrics, such as nitinol wire, electrospun materials or elastomeric
films/ coatings.
Trimming
Integer has a number of techniques for trimming medical fabric, such as mechanical cutting or a hot knife. Many fabrics are laser micro-machined for dimensional accuracy, which also cauterizes the edges to inhibit fraying.
Fabric Assembly
Integer has extensive know-how in the suturing of implantable medical textiles. Sewing and embroidery are employed to join fabrics together or to attach fabric to other components.
Ultrasonic Welding
As an alternative to suturing, Integer utilizes ultrasonic welding as a method of fusing fabrics. The tooling design focuses the ultrasonic energy to produce the desired melt zone, providing a precise and repeatable pattern. We can offer ultrasonic welding of complex shapes and geometries. Our expertise in this area allows us to apply ultrasonic welding to larger surface areas, differentiating us from our competitors. Our state-of-the-art equipment also allows for precision to a micron level.