The use of innovative manufacturing techniques has delivered Bipolar & Monopolar leads with a life span of 300 autoclavings. .
In the late 1980s, BOWA was asked to explore the possibility of applying its electronic, plastic moulding and materials technology to address the deficiencies of existing medical cables, especially in the electrosurgery field, with Bipolar and Monopolar leads. The realistic life expectancy of existing leads was typically around 50 autoclavingsThe existing products had a short life because of fluid ingress, especially around the junction of cable with plug, and a loss of flexibility after repeated autoclavings. To overcome these issues, BOWA instituted several new processes – including a twostep moulding. Firstly, it created a strong, orange plastic part, which would be the housing for the crimped electrical components. This provided a secure mechanical ‘pinch’ on the cable to ensure a strong attachment and provide resistance to any pulling on the cable. Secondly, a separate moulding of a softer, grey plastic onto the orange part was developed, in order to encapsulate the plastic with the electrical components, thereby sealing the plug unit. The softer plastic provided a more prehensile surface for grip and a kinkpreventing collar at the entry point of the cable to the plug. This two-step moulding ensured a sealed, ergonomically designed plug: providing a barrier to fluid ingress. With regards to the cable, BOWA decided to use a thick, silver plated wire – providing greater resistance to chemicals and autoclaving. The wires are encapsulated in a proprietory material before being sealed in glass fibre reinforced silicone – thereby increasing the durability of the cable, as well as providing superior kink resistance. By using all of these features, BOWA Bipolar and Monopolar cables are now able to offer offer a warranty of 300 autoclaving cycles.
