Q&A: Assessing the tubing, catheter and stents sector

Medical Plastics News editor Laura Hughes spoke to Helmut Schmid, product manager/deputy head of sales, Hekuma, about the sector.

What are the current trends?

We see a trend towards fully automated production systems to ensure the quality of the products and higher output.

Why do you think there is a surge in demand within the medical sector?

Catheters, tubing and stents are a form of minimally invasive medicine. The complication rate is therefore less than for other interventions. Another factor is the fast ageing population with increasing chronic diseases, which will be a driver for such medical devices.

How is the market evolving?

According to the forecast and expectations from companies such as Teleflex, Abbott, and Cook Medical, the market will grow by four to six percent per year.

Do you think there will be any major changes within the next decade?

There will be major changes in terms of the search for alternative and recyclable materials.

Why are plastics so important in these devices?

All of these parts are single use and disposable, and there is no other material available which can be produced easily and cheaply in the required amount. In the future, there will be more recyclable plastics.