Why are catheters lined with PTFE?

If you’re imagining how a catheter is used, you might wonder if catheter insertion hurts. It usually doesn’t but it can cause some discomfort. In order to minimize any pain or distress of insertion, catheter manufacturers are always looking for new methods and materials that will reduce friction.  One material that is being used more often in catheter design is PTFE.

Catheters are often lined with PTFE to reduce friction and to ensure other devices can pass through with ease. PTFE improves torque control and stiffness, which will allow insertion to occur much easier for the patient. 

PTFE is a fluoropolymer that is featured in many different applications for various industries. You will often find PTFE tubing used in medical devices because it is incredibly flexible; in fact, it is the most flexible of all the fluoropolymer tubing out there. In addition to that, it has a smooth surface and low coefficient of friction.

Read more at Fluorotherm Polymers.