Configuration with the ethylene acrylic copolymer tie layer
Significantly reduces risk of tubing delamination due to tensile shock event
100% Inline extrusion ID monitoring
Significantly reduces risk of insulin interruption due to full or partial ID set occlusion
Unique material characteristics
Extended infusion set life due to lower meta-Cresol absorption and adsorption (including material diffusion)
The ethylene acrylic copolymer tie layer coupled with the polyurethane outer layer also gives the tube more elasticity versus other multilayer tubes. This is a benefit in the end use application because the tube can withstand a tensile shock event such as an infusion set getting caught on something such as a doorknob. The specific material layers used in this configuration were also chosen to most effectively limit any preservative loss and extend the usable life of insulin.
Infusion sets are arguably the most important part of successful pump therapy because they must provide constant insulin delivery. An occluded or delaminated tube, for example, can interrupt delivery and result in dangerous conditions. Pump therapy users under the circumstances could be exposed to significant and potentially fatal hazards: interruption of insulin infusion can result in hyperglycemia and ketoacidosis; conversely, delivery of excessive insulin can cause severe hypoglycemia.
TekniPlex Healthcare’s multilayer tubing product with TPU Outer Layer Construction is a three layer tube. It is comprised of a thin polyethylene inner layer, has an ethylene acrylic copolymer tie or bonding layer to eliminate the risk of delamination, and has an outer layer that is made of polyurethane. This is a globally patented product and was developed as an alternative to two-layer TPU/PE tube configurations. The ethylene acrylic copolymer tie layer coupled with the polyurethane outer layer also gives the tube more elasticity versus other multilayer tubes. This is a benefit in the end use application because the tube can withstand a tensile shock event such as an infusion set getting caught on something such as a doorknob. The specific material layers used in this configuration were also chosen to most effectively limit any preservative loss and extend the usable life of insulin.
Another unique tubing solution that is also patented for use in dual hormone insulin delivery systems is TekniPlex Healthcare’s Polypropylene Based Outer Layer Construction. Dual hormone delivery systems also deliver glucagon in addition to insulin, which must be suspended in DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide). DMSO is known to dissolve all known typical materials utilized in insulin pumps/tubes; however, Tekni-Plex Healthcare’s newly patented product does not degraded in DMSO and can also be solvent bonded to polypropylene based fittings and luers for a complete DMSO resistant fluid path.