13 Sep 2007
DYNEEMA PURITY® FIBER FOR ORTHOPEDIC SUTURES SURPASSES POLYESTER IN PROMOTING HEALING
Independent Testing Shows Better Tissue Formation, Reduced Irritation and Lower Inflammation with Dyneema Purity® fiber from DSM
URMOND (NL), 13 September, 2007 – DSM Dyneema today announced that Dyneema Purity®, its high-performance specialty polyethylene fiber developed specifically for medical applications, has been shown to promote better tissue formation than traditional polyester in orthopedic suture applications. In independent testing by NAMSA’s Biomatech Lab, braids made of Dyneema Purity® exhibited enhanced fibro-connective tissue formation as well as reduced irritation and lower inflammation compared to polyester. Coupled with the exceptional mechanical performance of Dyneema Purity®, the world’s strongest fiber, these results make this ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) an excellent alternative to polyester.
One of the most important concerns of an orthopedic surgeon when using artificial, non-degradable sutures is rapid healing of the tissue surrounding the sutures. Faster healing supports quicker patient recovery and can promote better outcomes. In the testing performed by Biomatech – an implantation study in rats – braids made of Dyneema Purity® had lower inflammation and irritation scores than braids made of polyester; these results indicate a decreased risk of rejection over the long term. Although the two materials showed equal levels of tissue encapsulation, Dyneema Purity® induced slightly more fibro-connective tissue formation, which is considered the most important step in the healing process.
Three inherent characteristics of Dyneema Purity® are thought to contribute to these results: small filament diameter, chemical inertness and an extremely smooth surface. Dyneema Purity® also offers high stiffness, fatigue and abrasion resistance, and a soft feel. This material has been certified according to ISO standards for genotoxicity, cytotoxicity, sensitization, hemocompatibility and mutagenicity.
Carina Snijder, Business Manager – Medical for DSM Dyneema, said, “In the interest of patient safety, we invested in this stringent testing procedure to ensure that Dyneema Purity®, a relatively new fiber for the orthopedic market, would deliver desired results. We were delighted to find that our product outperformed polyester in several areas, and particularly in promoting better tissue formation. This is just one facet of our ongoing efforts to develop innovative products that meet the requirements of surgeons and their patients.”
She added, “These tests show that from a healing perspective, sutures made with Dyneema Purity® are the best choice for a surgeon. Since being launched in 2004, the material has been used in high-strength sutures throughout the world and is quickly becoming the standard for rotator cuff surgery.”
A presentation on Dyneema Purity® and its tissue tolerance will be given at the Medical Grade Polymers conference in Philadelphia on September 13.
About DSM Dyneema
DSM Dyneema is the inventor and manufacturer of Dyneema®, the world’s strongest fiber™. Dyneema® is an ultra strong polyethylene fiber that offers maximum strength combined with minimum weight. It is up to 15 times stronger than quality steel and up to 40% stronger than aramid fibers, both on weight for weight basis. Dyneema® floats on water and is extremely durable and resistant to moisture, UV light and chemicals. The applications are therefore more or less unlimited. Dyneema® is an important component in ropes, cables and nets in the fishing, shipping and offshore industries. Dyneema® is also used in safety gloves for the metalworking industry and in fine yarns for applications in sporting goods and the medical sector. In addition, Dyneema® is also used in bullet resistant armor and clothing for police and military personnel.
Dyneema® is produced in Heerlen (The Netherlands) and in Greenville, North Carolina (U.S.A.). DSM Dyneema is also a partner in a high modulus polyethylene (HMPE) manufacturing joint venture in Japan. Further information on DSM Dyneema is available at www.dyneema.com and www.implantmorestrength.com
About DSM
DSM is active worldwide in nutritional and pharma ingredients, performance materials and industrial chemicals. The company develops, produces and sells innovative products and services that help improve the quality of life. DSM’s products are used in a wide range of end-markets and applications, such as human and animal nutrition and health, personal care, pharmaceuticals, automotive and transport, coatings and paint, housing and electrics & electronics (E&E). DSM’s strategy, named Vision 2010 – Building on Strengths, focuses on accelerating profitable and innovative growth of the company’s specialties portfolio. The key drivers of this strategy are market-driven growth and innovation plus an increased presence in emerging economies. The group has annual sales of over €8 billion and employs some 22,000 people worldwide. DSM ranks among the global leaders in many of its fields. The company is headquartered in the Netherlands, with locations in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and the Americas. More information about DSM can be found at www.dsm.com.
Dyneema®, Dyneema Purity® and Dyneema®, the world's strongest fiber™ are trademark(s) (applications) owned by Royal DSM N.V.
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