Solvay Specialty Polymers has expanded its range of Zeniva polyetheretherketone (PEEK) resins for use in implantable medical devices.
A new radio visible PEEK-based material, Zeniva ZA-520, provides image contrasting capabilities for optimal visualisation with x-ray, CT, and MRI imaging systems. The company made the announcement at SpineWeek (Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 28 May─1 June).
Zeniva ZA-520 compound provides visibility of an implant without the artifacts that are common with competitive metallic-based materials. The new compound is available in resin (for injection molding) and rod stock which can be high-precision machined for production of a full range of sizes and configurations.
Zeniva PEEK offers numerous advantages over metals like titanium and cobalt chrome for applications such as intervertebral devices. The material offers benefits such as: biocompatibility, chemical inertness, and a modulus of elasticity that is close to that of bone. Based on biocompatibility testing to ISO 10993 standards, Zeniva PEEK demonstrates no evidence of cytotoxicity, sensitisation, irritation, or acute systemic toxicity.
