What is liquid silicone rubber for catheter balloon?
Liquid silicone rubber (LSR) for catheter balloons is a high-purity, medical-grade elastomer used to manufacture inflatable balloons for medical catheters. These balloons are critical components in devices such as balloon catheters (e.g., angioplasty, stent delivery, or urological catheters).
Key Properties of LSR for Catheter Balloons:
Biocompatibility – Meets ISO 10993 and USP Class VI standards for safe contact with bodily tissues and fluids.
Flexibility & Elasticity – Allows the balloon to inflate and deflate smoothly without cracking or permanent deformation.
High Tear Strength – Resists damage during insertion, inflation, and removal.
Thermal & Chemical Stability – Withstands sterilization (autoclaving, gamma, or EtO) and resists bodily fluids.
Low Compression Set – Maintains shape after repeated inflation/deflation cycles.
Precision Molding – LSR can be injection-molded into thin, complex geometries for consistent balloon wall thickness.
Applications in Medical Catheters:
Angioplasty Balloons – Expand blocked arteries.
Stent Delivery Systems – Deploy vascular stents.
Urological Balloons – Used in dilation or occlusion.
Diagnostic & Drug-Delivery Catheters – Minimally invasive procedures.
Advantages Over Other Materials (e.g., Thermoplastic Polyurethane - TPU):
Superior softness and biocompatibility.
Excellent fatigue resistance for repeated use.
Stable performance over a wide temperature range.
Manufacturing Process:
LSR is typically injection-molded using a two-part platinum-cured system (for medical safety) and then post-cured for optimal properties.