Minrad Scores A Bull's-Eye With Use of Bayer Corporation's PRISM® CM-200 System For Laser Targeting System Housing.

Before introducing its new laser targeting system to the medical market, Minrad Inc. wanted to make sure the system's appearance reflected the advanced capabilities of its patented technology. Minrad scored a bull's-eye with its use of the PRISM® CM-200 solid polyurethane Reaction Injection Molding system from Bayer Corporation's Polymers Division. The PRISM® CM-200 RIM system forms the housing for Minrad's DRTS Platform Dual Radiation Targeting System and Tri*Knew Battery Charger.

These housing components consist of five molded parts - three for the DRTS Platform and two for the battery charger- with nominal wall thicknesses ranging from 1/8" to 3/16". The 11-pound DRTS Platform measures approximately 12" by 11" by 8", while the 15-pound batter charger measures roughly 9" by 11 1/2" by 6 1/2".

The DRTS Platform is a highly accurate laser targeting system for many fluroscopically guided procedures, including biopsies of deep tissue anatomy; screw, wire and implant placement; spinal procedures; arthrograms; and craniofacial and plastic surgery procedures. The DRTS Platform produces a laser beam that, when coaxially and coincidentally aligned with the selected X-ray, indicates the exact surface point of entry and the precise angle of approach to a deep subcutaneous structure. Becasue the DRTS Platform laser beam can be used as an accurate guide, the surgeon does not need to constantly turn and consult a monitor for X-ray based progress, thereby potentially reducing time and radiation exposure to the patient and medical staff.

Properties Make the Grade for Medical Application

The PRISM® CM-200 solid polyurethane RIM Molding system, with a UL94 flammability rating of V-0 and 5VA, is well suited for applications in medical, electronic, and other markets. The material is excellent for thin-wall molding and offers improved strength, surface finish, and large-part capability. These properties were instrumental in the selection of the PRISM® CM-200 RIM Molding system over injection molding, according to Paul Steck, President of Exothermic Molding Inc., molder of the DRTS Platform and battery charger. "The PRISM® CM-200 RIM system was selected because it offered the best physical properties for this application," explained Steck.

The use of family molds was another processing advantage, according to Steck. "By using family molds, we can produce five different molded parts from two molds. This enables us to yield 250 parts per day on two presses," he explained.

Challenging Design

Designing the mold for the DRTS Platform was challenging. Three different configurations of the DRTS Platform were necessary in order to accommodate its use with varying designs of existing fluroscopes. The solution was a four-cavity mold with three different mold blocks, which enabled Exothermic Molding to create all three configurations of the DRTS Platform using only one modular mold. The battery charger cover and base are also in one mold base.

Bayer's PRISM® system has exceeded Minrad's expectations, according to Dr. Clara De Greiff, Vice President of International Sales and Marketing for Minrad. "From a marketing perspective, it presents a high-tech, attractive appearance, is lighweight, yet can hold up to the rigors of the operating room environment," she said.
Reaction Injection Molding
Reaction Injection Molding