Eastman Chemical Co. has teamed with DD Studio to develop a wireless vital-signs monitor that makes extensive use of Eastman's Tritan-brand copolyester.
The product, which will be put in use later this year, can continuously record a patient's vital signs without being connected to a larger device, officials with both firms said at the Plastics in Medical Devices conference, held April 12-14 in Westlake.
They declined to provide manufacturing details, but DD Studio's Scott Clear said Tritan was selected for the device because it has properties similar to polycarbonate, but none of the alleged health risks attached to PC feedstock bisphenol A.
“We collaborated with the Eastman design lab, which gave us whole blocks of Tritan to work with,” said Clear, product development director with Carlsbad, Calif.-based DD Studio.
Ken Breeding, Eastman medical devices technical platform manager, said that although Tritan — first launched in 2007 — wasn't initially aimed at the medical field, it's finding uses there because of its color and clarity, and because it doesn't yellow after sterilization.
Other copolyester resins made by Kingsport, Tenn.-based Eastman have been used in intravenous system components, respiratory devices and blood-therapy devices.
Copyright 2010 Crain Communications Inc. All Rights Reserved.