BizLink, a leading global interconnect solutions provider, has medical cables in its range that are both biocompatible and AWM-recognized. A special outer jacket qualifies them as ‘UL-recognized components for external use’ with high requirements on fire behavior, as well as for skin-friendly applications directly on the patient. The cable specialist BizLink can produce almost any cable with this new type of jacket. The new BizLink clean type cables check both safety certifications, while remaining universally applicable, thus simplifying cabling in many near-patient applications with high safety requirements, such as coil cabling for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners.
BizLink is now putting an end to the incompatibility of biocompatibility with UL-Styles in medical cables. Due to a novel thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) outer jacket, a multicoaxial cable for an MRI passed the vertical flame test and also the biocompatibility test according to DIN ISO 10993 in an accredited laboratory. The cable is thus certified as an ‘UL-recognized component for external use’ and does not cause skin irritation when used on patients. So far, BizLink’s biocompatible and UL-recognized cables are available with a heat resistance of up to 80°C.
The internationally approved routing of a single cable with both features from inside or outside a medical device to direct patient use is now feasible. A possible changeover from an UL-approved to a biocompatible cable is no longer necessary. BizLink supplies the cables as pure bulk cables, with matching overmolded housing feedthroughs or grommets and as ready-to-install cable assemblies.
Multi-talent for more safety
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) certifies products for the entry into the Canadian and the US market. Appliance Wiring Material (AWM) Styles indicate in which applications a product can be used.
Until now, obtaining UL certification for medical cables has been a secondary concern. The focus was on biocompatibility guidelines such as DIN ISO 10993. For more safety, BizLink has worked on a product that additionally complies with UL 758 (Standard for Safety – Appliance Wiring Material) and thereby has demonstrated expertise for medical technology: type BizLink clean medical cables, which offer patients and medical staff optimum safety and manufacturers new approaches in the design of medical devices through more universal use possibilities.