Nearly 3x Stronger: An Inside Look at Ultra Polyimide with Confluent Medical Technologies

New testing data from Confluent Medical Technologies shows Ultra Polyimide reaching nearly 3x the elastic modulus of standard polyimide. 

For R&D engineers, that raises an important question: what could higher-strength tubing mean for catheter design? 

In this episode of MedTech Unboxed, Steve Maxson talks with Shane Wood and Loren Bridges about what this means in practice, from thinner walls and more usable real estate to strength, profile, and downstream device performance. 

They also discuss Confluent’s broader Filmcast Select™ approach to material customization, including REACH-compliant glossy and matte polyimide, the trade-offs between Filmcast PTFE and ram-extruded PTFE, and how ultra-thin tie-layer technology can improve bonding to outer jackets. It’s a practical discussion about how material choices affect flexibility, manufacturability, handling, bonding, and performance in real catheter applications. 

What you’ll hear in this episode: 

• New testing data showing Ultra Polyimide at nearly 3x the elastic modulus of standard polyimide
• How higher-strength polyimide can support thinner walls while maintaining strength
• The differences between standard, REACH-compliant glossy, REACH-compliant matte, and Ultra Polyimide options
• When film cast PTFE makes sense vs. ram-extruded PTFE
• How tie-layer technology can help improve bonding to Pebax, nylon, TPU, and other outer jacket materials
• Why a more intentional material-selection approach helps engineers reduce redesign and optimize catheter performance