Market Study: Biomaterials Supply for Permanent Medical Implants

Abstract

The withdrawal of DuPont as a supplier of key raw materials created a major dislocation in the medical device industry. We studied the present and future impact caused by the market removal of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) yarn ("Dacron®"), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) fiber and resin ("Teflon®"), and polyacetal resin ("Delrin®"). Findings were: 1) Dollar values of the permanent medical implant markets for PET yarn, PTFE fiber and resin, and polyacetal resin are a minute fraction, of their values for their other commercial markets; 2) The implant market value is clearly not commensurate with the liability risk; and 3) The majority of these materials consumed by this market are used in the production of lifesaving, permanent medical implants [e.g., vital blood vessel replacements made from knitted polyester (PET)]. The remainder is used in life-enhancing, permanent implants [e.g., hernia patches made of polyester (PET) fabric].