A new twist on a traditional medical instrument: Innovative single-use torque instruments utilize tough polycarbonate from Bayer

ANAHEIM, Calif., Feb. 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- For many years, torque-applying instruments have been among the surgical instruments typically used during orthopedic surgeries. These instruments are manufactured as reusable instruments, and are cleaned, reprocessed and recalibrated after each surgical procedure.

But now there's a new twist on this oft-used instrument. Caltorque Medical Products (CMP), a division of California Torque Products Inc., says its TorqueSafe™ torque instruments give surgical implant original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) an alternative to traditional reusable instruments.

"We have transitioned from what is traditionally a stainless steel instrument with a silicon over-molded handle to a mostly plastic, cost-effective alternative offering the same at-use performance," said Brian Cutler, vice president, marketing and product development, CMP.

Makrolon^® polycarbonate resin from Bayer MaterialScience LLC forms the handles of CMP's TorqueSafe™ instruments, which are designed for trauma, reconstruction, small bone, cranio maxillofacial fixation, spine and extremity procedures.   

"We selected Makrolon^® polycarbonate because it met the robust requirements of the surgical setting and need for high-stress performance," explained Doug Slomski, vice president sales – medical products, Caltorque Medical Products Division.

According to Slomski, other advantages included the material's compatibility with sterilization modalities, ability to meet care and handling requirements, durability in transport, and global availability. "Also important was the material's ability to exceed in-use environmental and in-situ conditions," he continued.

The ability to repurpose materials post-use was yet another benefit of using the Makrolon^® polycarbonate resin, since it can be incorporated into the health care community's recycling programs and procedures, according to CMP.

"The TorqueSafe™ instrument is a good illustration of how our customers are taking a fresh, innovative approach to health care technology," said Bruce Fine, market segment leader – medical, North America, Bayer MaterialScience LLC. "We recognize CMP for their forward thinking and are pleased to play a role in bringing to market an instrument that can contribute to an improved experience for the physician and patient."

Ratcheting up the benefits
TorqueSafe™ allows a surgeon to apply the correct tightening force to screws, up to a preset value, and not allowing the screw to be over tightened, according to CMP. The ergonomics of the design are a symmetrical T and an offset T, offering the physician the choice of which best fits the application or grip preference. The handles are injection molded from Makrolon^® 2458 medical grade polycarbonate, an easy-flow polycarbonate with easy-release characteristics, good hydrolysis resistance and biocompatible according to ISO 10993-1 test requirements.

"For decades the health care industry has turned to our polycarbonate resins to bring ground-breaking products to market," said Richard Aldrich, field market development manager, North America, Bayer MaterialScience LLC. "The good processability and optimal flow rate of this polycarbonate grade, along with many other desirable properties, made it a good fit for this application."

There are two versions of the TorqueSafe™ instrument. The first is designed specifically for a single procedure. The second version is designed for multiple procedures: It can be used in several surgeries until the proprietary TorqueSafe™ mechanism disables the instrument, preventing additional use. The multiple-procedure version will withstand multiple cleanings and autoclave cycles, but will not need calibration, explains Slomski. Both versions exhibit the TorqueSafe™ alert window, giving users a visual indication of in-calibration use and end-of-calibration disablement.

According to CMP, TorqueSafe™ instruments enable the OEM to reduce or eliminate the reprocessing cycle cost associated with reusable surgical instruments while offering an instrument that can fit the recycle/repurposing initiatives of hospitals around the world.

Attendees at the MD&M West Conference and Exposition, Feb. 10-12, can visit Bayer's booth (#2021) for more details about Bayer's material solutions for medical applications.

About Caltorque Medical Products:
Caltorque Medical Products is a division of California Torque Products, Inc. (CTP) located in Chino, CA. CTP was established in 2004 to develop and supply industrial and consumer products industries with both a standard line of torque tools as well as custom designed torque instruments for specialty applications. Caltorque Medical Products was formed in early 2013 to leverage the 50+ years of torque instrument expertise and design to produce very cost competitive torque instruments for the surgical instrument landscape.

About Bayer MaterialScience LLC:
Bayer MaterialScience LLC is one of the leading producers of high-performance plastics in North America and is part of the global Bayer MaterialScience business with approximately 14,300 employees at 30 production sites around the world and 2013 sales of 11.2 billion euros. Bayer MaterialScience, a Bayer Group company, manufactures high-tech polymer materials and develops innovative solutions for products used in many areas of daily life. The main segments served are the automotive, electrical and electronics, construction, medical, and sports and leisure industries. Sustainability is central to Bayer MaterialScience LLC's business and is based around the key areas of innovation, product stewardship, social responsibility and respect for the environment.

Contact:
John Skabardonis, Phone: 412-777-5444
Email: [email protected]

For more information about Bayer MaterialScience LLC's medical polycarbonates, call 1-800-662-2927, email [email protected] or visit www.plastics.bayer.com.

For more information about Caltorque Medical Products, call 1-877-937-8105, email [email protected] or visit www.caltorque.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer Group or subgroup management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Bayer's public reports which are available on the Bayer website at www.bayer.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

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SOURCE Bayer MaterialScience LLC

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