Catheter Friction Tester

• High friction measurement accuracy (COF 0.001)
• Inline sub nm 3D profilometer optimized for catheter
• Automatic friction and surface inspection correlation
• Standard or custom test configurations

Catheters are used during minimally invasive diagnostic or interventional procedures to guide devices to access target sites. Catheter requires rigorous  research, testing and validation to ensure that they perform according to their intended use and labeling

Rtec-Instruments’ Multi Function Tribometer with patented capacitive force sensors allows unprecedented high resolution force characterization to characterize lubricity, insertion force, push force/navigation force, removal force, and over all performance of the catheter. Test setups to simulate and track delivery catheter through vitro fixtures similar to device clinical use,  study the topographical changes during the test etc. The closed-loop down force control allows conformal contact throughout the test.

In addition the MFT-5000 combines multiple techniques (3D Profilometer, Film thickness, and Raman Microscope) on one platform to evaluate the effect of surface coatings and texture on catheter performance. The open platform allows test set ups for different geometries and orientations with options for simultaneous testing for multiple samples.