Smith & Nephew Endoscopy, the recognised leader in arthroscopic, or minimally invasive joint surgery has selected Eastman’s Eastar copolyester for the manufacture of the company’s new Clear-Trac Complete cannula system for use in arthroscopic surgery.

“The Clear-Trac system includes cannulae in nine sizes, enabling surgeons to find the best fit, depending on the size of the patient, the size of the joint being treated and the thickness of the muscle around it,” an Eastman spokesman said.
“Each cannula is tinted so surgeons can distinguish between different cannulae during surgery. Eastar plastic’s clarity helps provide the surgeon with an unobstructed view of the instruments and the suture inside them, as well as the soft tissue that surrounds the surgery site.”
John Lipchitz, R&D project engineer at Smith & Nephew, commented:  “We chose Eastar copolyester over other materials like polycarbonate for its improved colour stability and clarity after undergoing gamma sterilisation,” “Additionally, Eastar resins are easy to work with, even in difficult moulds.”
During arthroscopic procedures, cannulae provide sterile pathways to the joint surgeons will treat. Each cannula in the Clear-Trac system features a unique cap, or dam, that prevents fluid from escaping during the procedure. In addition, the cap can be removed, enabling surgeons to clear small pieces of bone or soft tissue from the treatment area without having to remove the cannula from the incision.
GW Plastics, the device’s moulder, is producing the new cannula bodyline in complex hot runner, multi-cavity tooling for Smith & Nephew. “Eastman was instrumental in helping us select the correct material for this application, and was an integral member of our extended development team,” said Tim Reis, vice president of healthcare marketing at GW Plastics. “Their awareness of the medical industry’s material requirements is well in hand. The list of Eastar properties is a perfect match for the requirements of this application, bringing a major programme to a successful conclusion.”
Smith & Nephew Endoscopy is a world leader in the development and commercialisation of endoscopic techniques. Within endoscopy, the company is acknowledged as the recognised world leader in arthroscopy.
Eastman is the largest producer of polyester plastics for packaging and is a leading supplier of raw materials for paints and coatings, inks and graphic arts, adhesives, textile sizes and other formulated products, and cellulose acetate fibres.