Victorian biomaterials facility

The Minister for State and Regional Development, John Brumby, has just launched the AorTech Biomaterials research laboratory for the development of medical devices.

"AorTech Biomaterials has developed an innovative polymeric material, Elast-Eon, for use in synthetic heart valves. These replacement heart valves, which are more durable and flexible than existing implants, are likely to start clinical trials late next year," Mr Brumby said. Apart from further developing the heart valve applications, the laboratory at Mulgrave will also use Elast-Eon to develop coronary and other types of stents (props that are inserted in blood vessels/valves/arteries to keep them open and allow blood flow), pacemaker systems and other medical devices.

Item provided courtesy of Science Industry