Silicone Resistance
Silicone Resistance
Silicone is recognized as a durable material in various environments. Indeed, this is true for general use. However, in the medical field, when silicone is used in commonly employed balloon catheters, durability issues often arise.
One example is the deflation of the balloon due to water leakage. Technologies have been developed to address this issue. For instance, Fuji Systems, a Japanese company, has created the GB Balloon. Typically, silicone balloons require reinflation after about a week as they tend to deflate significantly. However, this particular balloon can remain maintenance-free for up to a month.
GB Gastrostomy Balloon by Fuji Systems Co., Ltd.
Durability of Balloon-Type Gastrostomy Catheters (Japanese Study):
This study investigates the durability and appropriate usage period of balloon-type gastrostomy catheters. An analysis of 182 Bard MIC feeding tubes revealed that only two cases required removal due to balloon rupture within three months, with a low rupture-removal rate of 0.41% per month.
The durability of the balloons and tubes in MIC products is well-known among researchers in this field. This study highlights a benchmark for future developments.
Hardening of Gastrostomy Tubes: Differences by Material (Excerpt from a Blog with Insights on Medication):
胃ろうのチューブが硬くなる。材質によっても違いがある – 薬にちょっとだけ詳しいブログ
The report mentions:
“Have you ever noticed that the tube degrades faster than expected?”
For instance, magnesium oxide is a well-known drug that accelerates degradation. Moreover, magnesium oxide, with its high density, frequently clogs tubes. Other factors such as high-fat diets and exposure to gastric acid have also been found to accelerate degradation.
This emphasizes the need for acid resistance in materials.
Conclusion on Silicone in the Medical Field
Silicone is considered an inert material, biocompatible, and more advantageous compared to other materials, which is why it is highly valued in the medical world. However, in reality, it faces various challenges, prompting continuous development to address these issues.
Key areas for improvement include:
- Gas impermeability (on par with natural rubber)
- Acid resistance (comparable to PVC or urethane)
- High tear resistance (to prevent damage from spreading)
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