VistaMed expanding catheter extrusion in IrelandVistaMed expanding catheter extrusion in Ireland

The expanstion includes new capacity for diverse braided catheter assemblies, as well as a new area dedicated to thermoplastic extrusion. The company said it is also developing an engineering laboratory to support design and development projects.  In a release, Patrick Mulholland, managing director of VistaMed Ltd., said the company had made a "significant" investment in extrusion equipment, adding multiple lines.

The company said the new equipment will support its growing balloon catheter business and increase its capability to make more complex balloons. In addition to pressure braided tubing lines, the expansion will include production of VistaMed's newly developed range of extra-high-pressure braided tubing. VistaMed expects to move into the expansion in November 2013.

In 2011, VistaMed invested Euro 7.2 million in research and development and the expansion of its production capacity, adding 79 new jobs to nearly double its workforce at that time.

Founded in 1999,  VistaMed makes PTFE-lined guide catheters, steerable catheters, balloon catheters, endoscopic catheters, urological catheters, micro perfusion pain management catheters, as well as ancillary devices such as dilators and introducers. Materials processed include PEEK, polyurethane, polycarbonate, nylon, among others, with capabilities in single-lumen, multi-lumen, tri-layer, co-extrusion, and micro-extrusion.  Helix Medical, which is a division of the Freudenberg Group, has manufacturing in the U.S., Costa Rica, Germany, Ireland, and China.