The Power of ePTFE Coatings in Medical Devices

In the world of medical device innovation, materials matter. As device geometries become smaller and more complex, the need for coatings that offer both flexibility and strength is paramount. That’s where expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) stands apart.

At Confluent Medical Technologies, our advanced ePTFE coating capabilities enable medical device engineers to push the limits of performance, precision, and reliability—transforming how next-generation devices are designed and delivered.

Why ePTFE?

Expanded PTFE is a microporous material prized for its unique combination of mechanical strength, flexibility, and biocompatibility. Unlike conventional polymers, ePTFE can stretch and deform into intricate geometries without compromising its high strength-to-weight ratio. This versatility makes it a leading choice for coating applications in cardiovascular, peripheral vascular, and structural heart devices.

In particular, ePTFE coatings are used to encapsulate Nitinol, Cobalt-Chromium, and Stainless Steel components, such as balloon-expandable stents and meshes. The coating provides a smooth, uniform surface that not only enhances device deliverability but also protects underlying materials and promotes long-term durability inside the body.

Engineering Control Through Customization

One of Confluent’s core strengths lies in our ability to tailor ePTFE coating parameters to match the performance needs of each device design. Our controlled process allows precise tuning of critical characteristics, including:

• Internodal Distance (IND): 30µm – 100µm
• Thickness: 100µm – 250µm
• Crystallinity: Low, Medium, High
• Length: 20mm – 300mm
• Outer Diameters: 2mm – 25mm

These variables allow engineers to optimize for properties such as porosity, flexibility, and tensile strength, ensuring coatings perform consistently under even the most demanding conditions.

For current coating applications, Confluent supports a wide range of device dimensions, including:

(These ranges are not exhaustive—our team routinely works with OEMs to develop coatings that meet unique geometries and specialized performance requirements.)

Confluent’s Advantage: Materials Science Meets Manufacturing Excellence

With decades of experience in polymer science, precision coating, and Nitinol engineering, Confluent Medical offers an unmatched level of integration across materials, design, and manufacturing. This end-to-end capability enables our customers to streamline development cycles, reduce risk, and bring innovative therapies to market faster.

Our ePTFE coatings are developed within a fully controlled manufacturing environment that prioritizes consistency, scalability, and traceability—key elements for successful regulatory submissions and reliable device performance.

Partner with Confluent

From early-stage concept development to full-scale production, Confluent’s materials and coating experts collaborate closely with OEM partners to customize ePTFE coatings that meet exacting specifications. Whether you’re developing a next-generation stent, structural implant, or minimally invasive delivery system, our team has the expertise and infrastructure to help you engineer with confidence.

Ready to discuss your application?
Contact our team to explore how Confluent’s ePTFE coating capabilities can enhance the performance, biocompatibility, and reliability of your next device.