ALPHARETTA, Ga., July 9, 2013 – BioHorizons, a leading dental implant company based in Birmingham, Ala., has launched an innovative new surgical instrument kit for its Tapered Plus implant system for the replacement of missing teeth.
Made of Radel® polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) resin from Solvay Specialty Polymers, the new Tapered Plus surgical tray and colored transparent lid can withstand repeated steam sterilization cycles and autoclave temperatures up to 270°F (132°C) without significant loss of properties.
Radel® PPSU was selected over metal and other thermoplastics for its impact strength, transparency, chemical resistance, flexibility, and exceptional sterilization durability, according to Boyd Peters, Director of Implant Marketing for BioHorizons. He added that Radel® PPSU has been thoroughly vetted and tested by several medical device manufacturers in the orthopedic industry.
“For us, the material has a long history and gives us a high degree of confidence,” explained Peters. “Radel® PPSU has played a major role by delivering resiliency and exceptional sterilization durability to meet our demanding requirements.”
The injection molded surgical tray – measuring 8 in. long, 5 in. wide and 2 in. tall (20 x 13 x 5 cm) when assembled – consists of a light gray base and an orange, transparent snap-on lid. The hinged lid is removable and easy to disassemble during cleaning.
The surgical tray is about 40% lighter than trays previously offered by BioHorizons. Lightweight Radel® PPSU offers excellent chemical resistance and can withstand repeated disinfection and autoclaving – over 1,000 cycles – while maintaining its toughness and impact resistance, according to Solvay.
The Tapered Plus implant system is commercially available and is being sold to oral surgeons, periodontists, and prosthodontists in over 20 countries throughout the world. BioHorizons is also considering the use of Radel® PPSU resin for other sterilizable lids and trays for the rest of its extensive line of surgical and restorative products.
Solvay Specialty Polymers is a global leader in the development of sulfone polymer technology, launching Udel® polysulfone nearly 45 years ago. In addition, Solvay’s experience as a key materials supplier in the healthcare field spans more than 20 years. The company is a leading manufacturer of high-performance plastics, offering a broad range of materials for healthcare instruments and medical devices. More recently, Solvay has successfully introduced its line of Solviva® Biomaterials and offers them for use in a range of implantable devices.
