Case Study: Materials that Transform Wound Healing

Medical Design Briefs INSIDER

Vaporox’s VHT-200 (Vaporous Hyperoxia Therapy™) system features a unique combination of elements—ultrasonic vapor and concentrated oxygen—shown to accelerate the healing of chronic wounds. The vaporizer assembly of the medical device primarily utilizes Makrolon® 2458 polycarbonate from Covestro.

Chronic wounds afflict millions of people. If not treated adequately, they can lead to severe complications, including amputation of limbs. Denver-based has Vaporox developed a medical device for healing chronic wounds that do not respond to conventional wound treatment. The vaporizer component of the medical device primarily utilizes Makrolon® 2458 polycarbonate from Covestro.

The VHT-200 (Vaporous Hyperoxia Therapy™) system, which received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance, features a unique combination of elements that accelerate healing—ultrasonic vapor and concentrated oxygen. According to Vaporox, the patented delivery system for these elements promotes revascularization and tissue growth. The treatment is intended for administration in clinics and physicians’ offices.

“Vaporox is committed to a world where all wounds heal,” says Chase Huskey, marketing manager, Vaporox. “Today, wound care is one of the most under-served markets in the medical industry, but this development is truly life-changing for patients and a huge step forward for this market.”

Covestro was involved throughout the device’s development, supplying prototype quantities of its material, and documentation required by the FDA.

Makrolon® 2458 polycarbonate is a low-viscosity, injection-molding medical grade that features easy release from the mold. It is suitable for Ethylene Oxide (EtO) and steam sterilization and is biocompatible according to many ISO 10993-1 test requirements. It is available in transparent and opaque options.

“For decades, the healthcare market has relied on our proven portfolio of medical grade Makrolon® polycarbonates, complemented by customized technical expertise,” says Mark Nichols, healthcare key account manager, Covestro LLC. “Our work with Vaporox demonstrates the value of collaboration as our customers develop and bring truly innovative, game-changing technology to market.

Attendees at MD&M West can visit the Covestro booth (#2221) to learn more about the company’s materials for healthcare applications.