UFP Adds Further Polyurethane FlexShield Products

UFP Technologies Inc. has expanded its FlexShield product line to include polyurethane-based sterile barrier integrity protection for almost all medical devices.

FlexShield is made from flexible, medical-grade thermoplastic polyurethane film. They FDA-approved, biocompatible films are USP Class VI certified, the firm said. The material was first introduced in 2013, and is used for packaging and component configurations by many companies that manufacture medical devices and orthopaedic implants.

The company said that FlexShield's durability and flexibility provides resistance to both punctures and abrasion. This allows it to be used to protect devices and implants ranging from fixation plates and hip stems to surgical screws and saw blades, and even the trocars used to puncture the skin during laparoscopic surgery.

The full range of products includes packaging pouches in eight standard sizes. These keep the contents in aseptic condition, but break open easily when required, the firm said. Tip protectors can be used in place of PVC and silicone protectors to protect the ends of sharp or delicate medical instrument. It also offers bags, in three standard sizes.

In addition, custom shapes can be made for specific devices. As the material is approved for skin contact, it can be used to protect patients from infection during surgery, for example on robotics components.