Dyneema Purity fibers (ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene—UHMWPE), made by DSM, will replace stainless steel in a device for trauma treatment, that the companies claim will improve patient comfort, reduce potential allergic relacions and increase flexibility during spinal implantation.
Sayan’s trauma device will use an UHMWPE braid made out of DSM’s Dyneema Purity fibers. With a fiber 15 times stronger than steel, the braid will be able to withstand high levels of force due to its strength and stiffness, DSMofficials noted.
The braid’s small diameter, high pliability and increased flexibility in combination with the device design, allows for easier adjustments during implantation. In addition, the braid conforms to the shape of the bone, increasing the contact surface and lowering contact pressure. The absence of sharp edges may be expected to minimize cutting into bone or soft tissue, which sometimes occurs with steel devices. Tissue inflammation and irritation are also minimized due to the fiber's biocompatibility and chemically inert properties.
DSM’s Dyneema Purity fiber is made at DSM's facility in Greenville, N.C., which the company claims is the only plant of its kind dedicated solely to the production of medical-grade UHMWPE fibers. Dyneema Purity materials are used in short- and long-term orthopedic implants including treatments for damaged ACLs and high-strength orthopedic sutures.
“This partnership will bring the first orthopedic trauma device using a combination of several Dyneema Purity® fibers to the European market,” said Carola Hansen, director of Biomedical Polyethylenes, DSM Biomedical. “Sayan Orthopaedics is one of the larger players in the trauma and orthopedics market in Turkey, and a developing player in the international arena in service of many multinationals worldwide. Our work with them supports DSM’s ongoing efforts to align with innovative companies from around the world.”
"We are very excited to announce our partnership with DSM,” said Serdar Omur Goren, Vice General Manager, Sayan Orthopaedics Ltd. “We chose Dyneema Purity fiber due to its high tensile strength and long, successful track record for use in medical implants.”
Sayan Orthopaedics expects a rollout of the trauma device in European markets later this year.
Based in Turkey, Sayan was founded in November 2005 to produce orthopedic instruments and instrument sets.