New Generation Pumps Purpose-designed for Medical Applications

08.05.2013

Watson-Marlow Pumps Group is unveiling a new range of 400RXMD panel-mount pumps designed specifically to meet the demands from medical device specialists serving the surgical ablation market.

New Generation Pumps Purpose-designed for Medical Applications

New Generation Pumps Purpose-designed for Medical Applications (Image: Watson-Marlow)

Proven track record

Although Watson-Marlow’s existing RX models have been very successful in the medical sector for the past 15 years, the determination of the company to evolve its products in line with changing market demands and trends, is exemplified by the launch of 400RXMD (the ‘MD’ in the product name denotes ‘medical device’). Underpinning the product is extensive research with industry experts to ensure it meets the needs of surgical ablation applications.

Unique performance and robust modern design were among the fundamental basics supporting the RX pump’s success, and these features have been retained. However, there is a multitude of customer-identified improvements introduced in the new RXMD family. For instance, a range of precise pressure settings to tailor products for specific customer applications. The 400RXMD pumps will be delivered to a customer with pre-set pressure performance for effective catheter ablation.

An innovative mechanism has also been introduced giving improved flow accuracy, while a new tube holder ensures the tube locates in the right position every time the safety lid is closed, providing rapid, trouble-free tube loading. This minimises the risk of human errors and thus safeguards the process.

Healthy prognosis

This simple, robust and unique pump solution is great news for equipment that uses the technique of radio frequency ablation, where the pump is part of a larger system that includes an RF generator, and a catheter or needle. The RF energy is applied to destroy unwanted tissue by controlled internal cellular heating, avoiding the need for invasive surgery.

The 400RXMD pumps cooling fluid to provide precise temperature control which produces a more effective treatment and prevents scarring. The cooling fluid helps concentrate the RF energy on the target area which is particularly important when ablating large volumes of tissue such as in the treatment of cancer. This technique is becoming widespread in the treatment of cardiac arrhythmia, as well as cancer treatment and many other surgical procedures.

Watson-Marlow’s new 400RXMD is initially available as a family of 10 variants, ultimately providing the medical industry with superior and precise pump technology. The 400RXMD pump offers flows up to 450ml/min at 550rpm and delivers the user a pressure range up to 6 bar. With two stepper motors and one brushless motor option available, the

400RXMD pump has the unique ability to set pressure, flow and rotation direction according to each customer’s needs.

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