Mindray North America selects Eastman medical polymers to enhance patient monitors

Eastman materials improve chemical resistance to cleaning/disinfection agents, increasing device longevity

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Sep 20, 2018, 08:41 ET

KINGSPORT, Tenn., Sept. 20, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- In an effort to improve patient safety and device durability, Mindray, a leading global developer of medical technology, has chosen to incorporate Eastman's medical polymers into its current generation of patient monitors. Used in healthcare facilities throughout North America, the Passport Series of bedside monitors, T1 monitor/module and Accutorr Series of spot check monitors are now fully compatible with a list of more than 20 of today's most commonly used cleaners and disinfectants in use due to the increased emphasis on infection control.

Mindray’s Passport® Series of High Acuity, T1 Transport and Bedside Monitors utilize Eastman’s medical polymers for disinfectant-ready medical devices and equipment.

Mindray's devices provide innovative and scalable patient monitoring from bedside to transport and mobility monitors. Used across a variety of demanding clinical environments, it is critical that these devices withstand the daily stresses of use and handling, as well as the harsh cleaning and disinfecting agents used to prevent healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs), without experiencing any level of physical compromise.

"With such a wide range of cleaning and disinfecting products being used in hospitals, it was difficult for our customers to select formulations and procedures approved for use with our old plastics," said Wayne Quinn, president, Mindray North America. "Broad chemical resistance, durability and cleanability were at the top of our list of requirements when we were searching for an alternative plastic housing solution, and Eastman medical polymers truly delivered."

Eastman's medical polymers provide excellent chemical resistance and durability, ensuring compatibility and efficacy when using today's aggressive disinfection solutions. In addition, the strength of the polymer overcomes the daily impact stresses that come with greater portability and patient-worn devices. This is important because it reduces costs directly related to patient care delays (due to device failure) and results in a reduction in the total cost of ownership of medical equipment.

"Eastman's comprehensive portfolio of materials is helping companies meet the cleanability and manufacturability needs that today's healthcare environment demands," said Ellen Turner, global market development manager, Eastman. "As a reliable polymer solutions partner, our technical experts are working closely with Mindray to shape the next generation of medical devices."

"Partnering with Eastman has allowed us to deliver products that are stronger and more disinfectant ready, while allowing us to transition with minimal changes to our molding tools — reducing cutover time and the cost of retooling," said Rich Cipolli, vice president of product development, Mindray North America. "We are pleased to be able to pass this confidence on to our customers, who depend on Mindray products to reliably serve them for years to come."

About Eastman Chemical Company
Eastman is a global advanced materials and specialty additives company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With a portfolio of specialty businesses, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. Its market-driven approaches take advantage of world-class technology platforms and leading positions in attractive end markets such as transportation, building and construction and consumables. Eastman focuses on creating consistent, superior value for all stakeholders. As a globally diverse company, Eastman serves customers in more than 100 countries and had 2017 revenues of approximately $9.5 billion. The company is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA, and employs approximately 14,000 people around the world.

For more information, visit www.eastman.com.

About Mindray
Mindray is a leading developer, manufacturer and marketer of medical devices worldwide. Mindray maintains its global headquarters in Shenzhen, China; North American headquarters in Mahwah, New Jersey; and multiple development facilities and offices in major international markets, including an ultrasound Innovation Center in Silicon Valley. Mindray supplies a broad range of products across three primary business segments: patient monitoring and life support, in-vitro diagnostics, and medical imaging systems.

For more information, visit www.mindray.com.

Media Contact
Laura Mansfield, APR
[email protected]
865.599.9968

Eastman Contact
Anne Morris
[email protected]
423.224.7602

Mindray Contact
Kelley Murphy
[email protected]
201-995-8384

SOURCE Eastman