Please look through the frequently asked questions and contact us if you need additional clarification.
- What is the difference between Catheter Tubing and Reinforced Tubing?
- The main difference is in the application. Catheter Tubing is generally used for devices intended for use in the venous system or for subcutaneous in-dwelling devices. Reinforced Tubing is frequently used for support devices that provide access or a delivery conduit for another device.
- What is the Fr in tubing sizes?
- Fr stands for 'French Size'. It is a world wide standard for medical tubing outside diameter. Developed by a French physician in the 1800's, it is a measurement of tubing circumference. The theory being that non-round tubes of the same circumference will fit into the same incision in the skin or vessel. One French is approximately 1/3 of a millimeter .013 inch.
- What is Flat Wire Braiding?
- Flat Wire Braiding is simply braiding with flattened wire. Tubes can be reinforced with these flattened wires ranging in size from .001"x.002" to .0035"x.020".
- What are the advantages of Flat Wire Braiding?
- There are two primary advantages. First, is that the overall wall thickness can be minimized with flat wire. Second, is that torsional rigidity is increased with flat wire as compared to round wire.
- What is Pick Rate?
- Pick rate is simply the number of times the braid wires cross when counted longitudinally. Pick rates can be manufactured between 25 and 125 picks per inch.
- Can the pick rate vary along the length of a product?
- Yes, certain machines can automatically increase or decrease the pick rate as the product is fed through the braider.
- What are the advantages of varying the pick rate along the length of a product?
- By varying the pick rate, the amount of wire and the angle at which it is assembled will also vary which will have a direct affect on the stiffness or torsional rigidity of a tube along its length. This would be particularly valuable where the distal end and the proximal end need different flexibility.
- How does pick rate affect a reinforced tube?
- The combination of pick rate and tube diameter interact to produce what is known as braid angle. In general, Braid angles closer to perpendicular will produce a more flexible product. Angles closer to parallel to the tube will produce a stiffer tube.
- How do I make my catheter more flexible?
- The extrudate materials along with the braid characteristics determine the flexibility of the catheter tube. The reinforcing braid can be replaced with a Spiral reinforcement which will also contribute the tube’s flexibility while maintaining kink and crush resistance.
- What is hoop strength?
- Hoop strength is a physical property that describes the ability of a tube to withstand internal pressure, bending and crushing forces.
- What do I do to enhance hoop strength?
- Reinforcement by braiding will create great increases in hoop strength.
- How do I enhance the torsional rigidity of a reinforced tube?
- Flat braid wires can increase the torsional rigidity without significantly increasing the wall thickness.
- What is the benefit of a Fluoropolymer Liner?
- Fluoropolymers have a low coefficient of friction. A tube with a liner made from a fluoropolymer will have lower internal friction than a non-lined tube. Devices advanced through a lined tube will slide more easily.
- What does centerless grinding do?
- Centerless grinding removes material from the outside surface of a tube to create a consistently smooth surface. Intravenous catheters benefit from smooth surfaces reducing the possibility of blood clots forming on the tube while in use.
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