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Manufacturing
Efficiency
Custom elastomeric and rigid components are
fabricated by compression molding, injection blow molding, reaction injection
molding, and rotational casting. Shown below is a blood pump intended for
providing short term cardiac support manufactured using several of these
techniques. WBI has pioneered design for manufacturing (DFM) methods so that
devices such as this are economically produced.
Blood and
Tissue Compatible Surfaces
Unique surfaces
have been developed to provide blood and tissue compatibility for medical
implants. These consist of microporous textured surfaces. In contact with blood,
a biologic lining forms on the surface so that the interface of a synthetic
material with blood is eliminated. This significantly reduces the risk of blood
clots which can cause strokes. When used on the exterior of medical implants,
these surfaces promote the attachment of adjacent tissue to the implant,
reducing scar tissue formation and the possibility of infection. A scanning
electron micrograph (1,000X) of the textured blood contacting surface appears
below.
Specialized
Materials
Custom elastomers are also compounded in WBI laboratories for a
variety of devices. Close control of the physical and chemical properties of
these materials is assured. A drug loaded silicone rubber material is being
prepared below using a mill designed to uniformly mix the
constituents.
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