BIOCOMPATIBLE SELF-LUBRICATING POLYMER COMPOSITIONS AND THEIR USE IN MEDICAL AND SURGICAL DEVICES

摘要

The invention comprises self-lubricating polymer compositions that are especially useful in medical devices 10 and valves 200 and gaskets 43 of medical devices 10. In a preferred embodiment the poly met compositions comprise a theim?setting or thermoplastic silicone elastomer in combination with a lubricity enhancing polyfluQiopoiyether fluid or hydrocarbon-based synthetic oil In other preferred embodiments, the poly met compositions contain only biocompatible components The improved ami-friction properties of the self-lubricating polymers can be demonstrated over a course of insertion and w ithdrawal cycles, where conventional polymers have changing and mostly increasing force required for each insertion and withdrawal, while the polymer compositions of the invention remain stable.