Access Technologies Catheters

Access Technologies offers silicone, polyurethane and polyethylene catheters. We have the ability to customize the catheters to your specifications to suit your application. We size our catheters according to a French size and have provided a catheter size chart of available silicone and polyurethane sizes to help you in your selection. Listed below are brief descriptions of the different catheter materials. For a more indepth description of catheter materials, please Contact Access Technologies.

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Silicone Catheters

Medical grade silicone rubber, also known as SILASTIC^b from Dow Corning, has traditionally been considered the gold-standard for long-term access in animals and humans. Its properties include:

High compatibility
Relative non-thrombogenicity
Resistance to chemicals
Autoclaved or EtO Gas Sterilized
Easily modified
Soft

IntiSilf Silicone Catheters

The physiology involved in thrombogenicity of long-term catheters involves many factors. A principal factor involves the interaction between the catheter tip and the intimal lining or endothelium of the vessel. The rounded tip of the IntiSil catheter is less truamatic to the intima. The conventional square-cut and beveled catheters, on the other hand, have pronounced edges which may traumatize the vessel wall during insertion, thus hastening the host's thrombogenic response. IntiSilf Silicone has many favorable properties:

Reduced trauma to vessel endothelium Reduced incidence of thrombus formation Minimized infections Increase ease of insertion Increase of long-term tolerance Available up to 30" or in custom cut lengths

Polyurethane Catheters

The only material comparable to silicone rubber for long-term animal and human vascular access, is polyurethane. Polyurethane's properties are:

Larger internal diameter compared to same silicone French size
Increased flow rate due to increased lumen diameter
Biocompatible
Non-thrombogenic
Easier to insert and softens in body
Sterilized only by EtO Gas

Hydrocoatf Polyurethane Catheter

Hydrocoatf minimizes thrombotic and bacterial aggregation on the catheter surface. When hydrated the coated catheter surface becomes lubricious and blood products and microorganisms are less likely to aggregate on this smooth surface. Thus, the likelihood of catheter clotting and bacterial colonization is reduced. Hydrocoat has the lowest coefficient of friction on its surface of any intravascular catheter. The Hydrocoat's rounded tip works further to minimize thrombogenecity and maximize catheter patency. Hydrocoat polyurethane has many favorable properties:

Increase in thromboresistance Ease of insertion & long-term tolerance Decreased mechanical tissue trauma Reduced platelet adhesion & bacterial clustering Lubricious coating is instantly activated upon contact with blood Quickly softens at body temperatures to enhance compliance Available in lengths up to 30" or custom cut lengths

Polyethylene (PE) Tubing

Access Technologies also offers low density polyethylene tubing. The polyethylene is available in a variety of grades and can be purchased in 25 ft. nonsterile rolls or custom cut sterile lengths. Here are some advantages to using polyethylene:

Non-tissue reactive
Contains no additives
Contains no plastizers
Waxy white translucent
Durable to 219 F/104 C
Available with luer stub adaptors

Catheter Size Chart

Material	French Size	Gauge (OD)	Inner Diameter	Outer Diameter
Silicone	1	27	.007"/0.1mm	.016"/0.4mm
	2	23	.012"/0.3mm	.025"/0.6mm
	3	20	.020"/0.5mm	.037"/0.9mm
	4	18	.025"/0.6mm	.047"/1.2mm
	5	16	.030"/0.7mm	.065"/1.7mm
	7	13	.050"/1.3mm	.095"/2.4mm
	9	11	.062"/1.6mm	1.25"/3.2mm

Polyurethane	1	27	.008"/0.1mm	.017"/0.4mm
	2	23	.012"/0.3mm	.025"/0.6mm
	3	20	.020"/0.5mm	.037"/0.9mm
	3.5	18	.025"/0.6mm	.047"/1.2mm
	5	16	.030"/0.7mm	.065"/1.7mm
	7	13	.050"/1.3mm	.095"/2.4mm

Custom Catheters

We have the capabilities and experience at Access Technologies to develop concepts into real products. If you have an idea for a product or modifications to an existing product, please contact us. If it is within our capabilities, we might be able to help you. We look forward to hearing from you!