US-based Eastman Chemical Company has provided material for German firm A Hopf GmbH’s new range of 3-way stopcocks and Y-connectors for use in enteral feeding systems.

These BPA-free stopcocks and Y-connectors are designed with an interconnection safety which prevents mix ups between enteral and parenteral syringes. The new stopcocks and Y-connectors are made with Eastman Chemical Company’s Tritan copolyester, a material that provides toughness, chemical resistance and colour stability post-sterilisation. Tritan, a new-generation copolyester, is also free of bisphenol A (BPA). 

“Because of the European Union’s ban on BPA in infant care products such as soothers and feeding bottles, we decided to use Eastman Tritan copolyester for our medical devices, including those used with babies, such as the three-way stopcocks or Y-connectors,” said Michael Hopf, sales manager, A Hopf GmbH. “Tritan provides a durable BPA-free solution, that also meets our functional and aesthetic needs.”

Eastman Tritan copolyester maintains clarity and colour after sterilisation, providing excellent aesthetic appeal and helping boost patient and health care providers’ confidence. A device’s shape and dimensions also remain intact after both ethylene oxide (EtO) and gamma sterilisation. Additionally, chemical resistance and solvent bonding with tube systems are not affected by either procedure.

Besides enteral nutrition, these innovative products also can be used for cytostatic therapy and infusion and transfusion therapy, such as blood therapy. In relation to the use of raw material, Eastman Tritan copolyester meets the demands of USP Class VI, which judges the suitability of plastic material intended for use as an accessory for parenteral preparations, and FDA/ISO 10993, which evaluates the biocompatibility of medical devices to help ensure patient safety.

“For A Hopf GmbH, a great advantage of working with Eastman is its forward-thinking approach to material innovations, which has allowed us to develop products that provide improved patient safety and peace of mind,” said Hopf.