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. 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 one and soft tissue that surround the surgery site.

“We chose Eastar copolyester over other materials like polycarbonate for its improved color stability and clarity after undergoing gamma sterilization,” said John Lipchitz, R&D Project Engineer at Smith & Nephew. “Additionally, Eastar resins are easy to work with, even in difficult molds.”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 molder, is producing the new cannula body line 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 program to a successful conclusion.”

About Smith & Nephew Endoscopy
Smith & Nephew Endoscopy (www.endo.smith-nephew.com) is a world leader in the development and commercialization of endoscopic techniques. Within endoscopy, Smith & Nephew is the recognized world leader in arthroscopy (endoscopic procedures performed on articulating joints).

About GW Plastics
GW Plastics is a full service, high-precision injection molder and mold maker specializing in single source responsibility for medium-to-high volume, close-tolerance components and assemblies in the healthcare and automotive market place. Ranked among the top 100 injection molders in North America, GW Plastics’ leading edge technologies, total quality commitment and pursuit of innovation have driven its steady growth since the company was founded almost 50 years ago. Under its present management, the financially strong, closely held organization has more than doubled in size during the last 10 years, and currently services a portfolio of Fortune 1000 customers in the Healthcare Market. The company’s molding facilities are located in Bethel and Royalton, Vermont, San Antonio, Texas and Tucson, Arizona. Visit www.GWPlastics.com for more information.