RADIOPAQUE, OPTICALLY TRANSLUCENT THERMOPLASTIC COMPOUNDS

摘要

A radiopaque, optically translucent thermoplastic polyurethane compound is disclosed. The use of nano-sized particles of barium sulfate optionally in combination with a minor amount of certain dispersion aids allows the barium sulfate to be sufficiently dispersed within the thermoplastic polyurethane to retain optical translucency according to a defined Haze Determination Test. Medical devices, needing both visual spectrum observation before and during in-vivo medical use and radiopacity monitoring during in-vivo medical use, benefit from this compound. Optionally, a surface enhancer can also be used.

主权项

1. A radiopaque, optically translucent thermoplastic compound, comprising:
(a) thermoplastic polyurethane; (b) nano-sized particles of barium sulfate dispersed in the thermoplastic polyurethane at 10 weight percent to 50 weight percent of the compound; and optionally (c) a dispersion aid selected from the group consisting of polyols, sulfolane, triethyl citrate, 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone, and combinations thereof; wherein a compressed film of the compound in a thickness of 0.18 mm has a haze of less than 75%, as measured using a Haze Determination Test if the dispersion aid is not present in the compound; and wherein a compressed film of the compound in a thickness of 0.18 mm has a haze of less than 70%, as measured using a Haze Determination Test if the dispersion aid is present in the compound.