CONTENTS

    What is PET Shrink Tubing and Why is it Essential for Catheter Insulation

    avatar
    AccuPath
    ·June 21, 2025
    ·11 min read
    What is PET Shrink Tubing and Why is it Essential for Catheter Insulation
    Image Source: unsplash

    PET heat shrink tubing makes a tight, protective cover around catheters. It helps protect sensitive parts inside. This insulation is very important for patient safety. It stops unwanted electrical and heat transfer. Medical devices use PET heat shrink tubing because it is strong. It has very thin walls and is safe for the body. The PET Shrink Tubing for Catheter Insulation works very well, as shown in the table below:

    Property

    Performance Indicator

    Tensile Strength

    Very high, exceeding 20,000 PSI

    Flex Fatigue

    Very high flex fatigue properties

    Electrical Insulation

    Good electrical insulation

    Wall Thickness

    Ultra-thin walls

    Dielectric Strength

    High dielectric strength

    Biocompatibility

    Compliant with USP VI and ISO 10993

    Good insulation helps keep catheters safe. For example, the Khione catheter cools at 2.2°C per minute. It keeps the core temperature drop very low. This lowers risks like systemic hypothermia.

    Catheter Model

    Infusion Rate (mL/min)

    Cooling Rate (°C/min)

    Core Temperature Drop (°C)

    Key Safety Impact

    Khione Insulative Catheter

    20–40

    2.2 ± 2.5

    ~0.2 (average)

    Improved local cooling rate, minimal core temp drop, reduced systemic hypothermia side effects, avoids fluid overload

    Hybernia Medical Catheter

    0.1–70

    0.8

    N/A

    Precise temperature control, reduces systemic hypothermia side effects, safe for cerebral tissue

    Biocompatibility and safety are always important in medical devices. This makes PET heat shrink tubing a smart choice for patient care.

    Key Takeaways

    • PET shrink tubing gives strong and thin insulation for catheters. It keeps important parts safe and helps protect patients.

    • It can handle heat, chemicals, and many cleanings. It stays strong and keeps its shape, so it works well in medicine.

    • The tubing stops electricity from leaking out. This helps prevent short circuits and keeps devices working right.

    • PET tubing fits tightly on tricky shapes but does not make them bigger. This lets doctors use smaller and bendy medical tools.

    • When compared to other materials, PET shrink tubing is strong, safe, and not too expensive. That is why hospitals like to use it.

    PET Shrink Tubing Basics

    PET Shrink Tubing Basics
    Image Source: unsplash

    What is PET Heat Shrink Tubing

    PET heat shrink tubing is made from polyethylene terephthalate. This material is a thermoplastic. It gets soft when heated and hard when cooled. Manufacturers use PET heat shrink tubing to cover medical devices. It is often used on catheters. When you heat the tubing, it shrinks tightly around the device. This makes a smooth and secure layer. The tubing helps hold parts in place, like radiopaque marker bands. It also gives strong electrical insulation. PET heat shrink tubing keeps the device safe from things outside.

    PET heat shrink tubing can shrink at 90°C to 250°C. This wide range lets people control the shrinking process well. The tubing fits tightly but does not add much thickness. This is important for small medical devices. PET heat shrink tubing has a smooth surface. This helps lower friction and stops irritation.

    Note: PET heat shrink tubing works with many sterilization methods. These include autoclaving and ethylene oxide treatments. It keeps its shape and strength after many sterilizations.

    Material Properties

    PET heat shrink tubing has many good properties for medical use. It is strong and flexible. It has very thin walls. These features protect catheters without making them bulky. The tubing resists chemicals, moisture, and scratching. This means it lasts longer and keeps devices safe.

    The table below shows important features of PET heat shrink tubing in medical use:

    Characteristic

    Description

    Sterilization Resistance

    Handles high-temperature sterilization without damage

    Mechanical Property Retention

    Stays strong and flexible after many sterilizations

    Durability in Reprocessing

    Lasts at least 25 sterilizations with little change

    Biocompatibility

    Safe for touching human tissue

    Chemical Resistance

    Protects against fluids and cleaning chemicals

    Flexibility and Dimensional Recovery

    Fits tightly and adapts to complex shapes

    Regulatory Compliance

    Meets strict medical device rules

    Environmental Sustainability

    Can be recycled and is eco-friendly

    Manufacturing Quality Assurance

    Makes sure quality and safety stay the same

    A recent study showed PET heat shrink tubing lost only 12% of its strength after 50 hydrogen peroxide sterilizations. This proves it is strong and reliable. PET heat shrink tubing also gives great electrical insulation. This is important for devices that use electricity. Its thin walls and tight fit make it good for less invasive procedures.

    PET heat shrink tubing can mix with other materials to get better features. For example, mixing with polycarbonate makes it stronger. Mixing with epoxy makes insulation better. These mixes help PET heat shrink tubing work for many medical devices.

    PET heat shrink tubing is a top choice for catheter insulation. It is strong, flexible, and gives good electrical insulation in a thin layer.

    PET Shrink Tubing for Catheter Insulation

    PET Shrink Tubing for Catheter Insulation
    Image Source: pexels

    Electrical and Mechanical Benefits

    PET shrink tubing helps catheters by stopping electricity from leaking. It keeps wires and sensors safe inside the device. This tubing can handle more than 4,000 volts per mil. That means it helps stop short circuits and keeps patients safe. PET heat shrink tubing also works well in hot places. It can work up to 150°C and short bursts up to 200°C. It does not melt until 235°C. This makes it good for many medical devices. The tubing also resists chemicals, oils, and solvents. It protects the device from damage and helps it last longer.

    The tubing makes catheters stiffer but not thick. This helps doctors move the catheter through small blood vessels. The tubing shrinks tightly around wires and connectors. It can shrink up to 50% or more. This means it fits many shapes and sizes. The thin walls keep the device slim and easy to use.

    PET shrink tubing gives both strength and flexibility. It protects against scratches and keeps the device safe during use.

    The table below shows how PET shrink tubing does in tests:

    Performance Metric

    Description

    Mechanical Strength

    High tensile strength and abrasion resistance suitable for demanding electrical and mechanical environments.

    Chemical Resistance

    Resistant to various chemicals, oils, and solvents, protecting components from corrosion and degradation.

    Thermal Stability

    Continuous operating temperature up to 150°C, short-term exposure up to 200°C, with melting point at 235°C.

    Dielectric Strength

    Greater than 4,000 V/mil, ensuring effective electrical insulation and prevention of short circuits.

    Shrinkage Capability

    Shrinks up to 50% or more, providing tight conformity around wires, cables, and connectors for secure protection.

    Durability

    High abrasion resistance and tensile strength ensure long-term mechanical protection in harsh environments.

    Compliance

    Meets medical and safety standards such as USP Class VI, ISO 10993, FDA Title 21, and RoHS, validating reliability in specialized applications.

    PET shrink tubing meets strict medical and safety rules. It keeps its strength and shape after many uses. This makes it a good choice for doctors and patients.

    Biocompatibility and Safety

    Biocompatibility is very important for medical devices. PET heat shrink tubing meets rules like ISO 10993 and USP Class VI. These rules show the tubing is safe inside the body. PET shrink tubing does not cause bad reactions with human tissue. It stays safe even when it touches blood or fluids for a long time.

    PET heat shrink tubing keeps its strength after many sterilizations. Studies show it keeps over 88% of its strength after 50 hydrogen peroxide sterilizations. The tubing also works with other sterilization methods like ethylene oxide and gamma rays. This means doctors can use the same device many times and it stays safe.

    • PET tubing meets biocompatibility rules like ISO 10993 and USP Class VI, showing it is safe for patients.

    • It does not cause bad reactions with human tissues, so it is safe for long contact with fluids.

    • Studies show PET keeps over 88% of its strength after 50 hydrogen peroxide sterilizations.

    • PET tubing also works with ethylene oxide and gamma rays, making it good for medical use.

    The table below shows how PET heat shrink tubing meets safety and biocompatibility rules:

    Compliance Standard

    Role in Verifying PET Suitability

    ISO 10993

    Checks that PET does not cause bad tissue reactions.

    USP Class VI

    Shows PET is free from harmful chemicals and safe for long medical use.

    FDA Title 21

    Confirms PET follows U.S. rules and is safe for people.

    Medical-grade PET heat shrink tubing keeps its shape and strength after many sterilizations. It does not break down or lose its electrical insulation. This helps protect patients and keeps devices working well. PET shrink tubing gives doctors and patients peace of mind. It meets all the rules for safety and reliability in hospitals and clinics.

    Note: PET heat shrink tubing supports safety and reliability. It meets all biocompatibility rules and keeps working after many sterilizations.

    Benefits in Medical Devices

    Durability and Protection

    Medical devices must be strong to work well in hospitals. PET heat shrink tubing gives great protection. It stops water, scratches, and chemicals from hurting the device. This keeps the inside parts safe from harm. PET heat shrink tubing can be cleaned many times. It does not lose its shape or get weak after cleaning. This helps doctors and patients trust the device.

    PET heat shrink tubing passes hard safety tests. It meets FDA and IEC 60601-1 rules. Tests show PET tubing does not hurt human tissue. It also keeps its insulation in hot and tough places. In real use, this tubing stops damage from bumps and chemicals. These things help medical devices last longer.

    The table below shows how PET heat shrink tubing works in important ways:

    Attribute

    Quantitative Detail

    Impact on Medical Devices

    Dielectric Strength

    > 4,000 V/mil

    Protects internal components, reduces electrical hazards

    Thermal Stability

    3–19 °C higher onset decomposition

    Handles sterilization and heat without breaking down

    Temperature Resistance

    -196°C to 200°C

    Works in extreme cold and heat

    Surface Resistivity

    10^14 Ohm/square

    Reduces electrical interference

    Mechanical Strength

    Abrasion, puncture, impact resistant

    Shields delicate parts from damage

    Sterilization Resistance

    Autoclaving, gamma, peroxide

    Maintains safety after many sterilizations

    Shrink Ratio

    2:1 standard, 3:1+ for shapes

    Fits tightly on complex device parts

    PET heat shrink tubing helps medical devices stay safe and last longer, even after many cleanings.

    Miniaturization and Flexibility

    New medical devices are getting smaller and smarter. PET heat shrink tubing helps make this happen. Its thin walls do not make devices bulky. This keeps tools slim and easy for doctors to use. Doctors can move catheters through tiny blood vessels. The tubing keeps the device strong and bendy.

    Heat shrink tubing fits tightly over many shapes. It covers things like hypotubes, braided shafts, coils, and marker bands. Even the smallest parts get full protection. PET heat shrink tubing bends to fit tricky designs. This helps devices stay flexible and work well.

    PET heat shrink tubing lets engineers design new devices. It helps make tools that are light but strong. The tubing can shrink to cover odd shapes with no gaps. This keeps every part safe and working right.

    Medical devices with PET heat shrink tubing work well in real tests. The tubing keeps protecting after many uses and cleanings. This helps keep patients safe and devices working for a long time.

    Medical-Grade PET Heat Shrink Tubing vs. Alternatives

    Comparison with Other Materials

    Medical-grade PET heat shrink tubing is different from other tubing types. Polyolefin, FEP, and elastomer tubing each have good and bad points. The table below shows how these materials do in important areas like strength, heat resistance, chemical resistance, and price.

    Property

    PET Tubing

    Polyolefin Tubing

    Fluoropolymer (FEP) Tubing

    Elastomer Tubing

    Mechanical Strength

    High tensile strength (≥107 N/m² ASTM D2671)

    Moderate, less than PET

    Lower than PET in mechanical strength

    Moderate tensile strength

    Shrink Ratio

    2:1

    Similar

    Similar

    N/A

    Temperature Resistance

    -196°C to 135°C (short-term up to 200°C)

    Moderate, lower than PET

    Superior, up to 260°C

    -75°C to 150°C

    Chemical Resistance

    Excellent (good against cleaning agents)

    Moderate

    Exceptional (resistant to aggressive solvents and acids)

    Good

    Clarity

    High (transparent)

    Moderate to low

    Low (opaque or semi-transparent)

    Opaque

    Elasticity

    Low

    Moderate

    Low

    High

    Cost

    More cost-effective than fluoropolymers

    Generally lower cost

    Significantly higher cost

    Slightly higher than PET

    PET heat shrink tubing is strong and clear. Polyolefin tubing bends more and costs less, but it is not as tough or chemical-resistant as PET. FEP tubing is great against chemicals and heat, but it is pricey and not see-through. Elastomer tubing is very bendy but not as strong or clear for medical jobs.

    Why PET is Preferred

    Medical-grade PET heat shrink tubing is often picked first for catheter insulation. It is strong, thin, and works well. This tubing can be cleaned many times and still stay safe. It keeps its shape and strength after many cleanings, like autoclaving, ethylene oxide, and hydrogen peroxide.

    The table below shows how PET and FEP are different in some key ways:

    Parameter

    PET Heat Shrink Tubing

    FEP Heat Shrink Tubing

    Temperature Resistance

    Up to 150°C

    Up to 200°C

    Chemical Resistance

    Resistant to oils and lubricants

    Superior resistance to harsh chemicals

    Mechanical Properties

    High strength and rigidity

    High flexibility and chemical inertness

    Ease of Installation

    Easier with standard tools

    Requires precision and higher shrink temps

    Flexibility

    Moderate

    High

    Maintenance

    Low maintenance

    Requires more care in dynamic/chemical environments

    Cost

    More economical

    More expensive but justified in extreme conditions

    Market Share

    33% with 5.7% CAGR

    Niche market, less common

    PET heat shrink tubing helps keep devices safe by blocking damage from cleaners. It also stays safe for the body, which is important for medical tools. This tubing can be cleaned up to 50 times and only loses a little strength. Its clear look lets people check the device underneath for safety.

    PET heat shrink tubing is a good mix of price, strength, and performance. It costs less than FEP and is stronger than polyolefin. Its thin walls keep devices small. Hospitals and makers use PET heat shrink tubing because it meets tough safety rules, works with cleaning, and does well in hard jobs.

    Tip: Medical-grade PET heat shrink tubing is best when safety, cleaning, and body safety are most important.

    PET shrink tubing is known for being very reliable in catheter insulation. It has thin walls and is very strong. It works well even after many times being cleaned. This helps medical devices last longer. Doctors trust PET shrink tubing because it keeps working after cleaning. Hospitals pick PET shrink tubing because it meets tough cleaning rules. The market is growing because PET shrink tubing is so reliable and easy to clean.

    Statistic / Projection

    Details

    Projected annual growth rate

    6-8% over the next decade

    Estimated global consumption

    Over 500 million units annually

    Key growth drivers

    Miniaturization, sterilization, reliability

    PET shrink tubing will keep helping new medical devices. It gives great support for cleaning and is very reliable.

    FAQ

    What makes PET shrink tubing different from other tubing materials?

    PET shrink tubing is very strong and has thin walls. It does not get damaged by chemicals. It also gives good electrical insulation. Many hospitals pick PET because it keeps devices safe. It lasts a long time, even after many cleanings.

    Can PET shrink tubing be used with all types of catheters?

    Most catheters work well with PET shrink tubing. It can fit over many shapes and sizes. Doctors use it for simple and complex catheter designs.

    How does PET shrink tubing handle repeated sterilization?

    PET shrink tubing stays strong and keeps its shape after many cleanings. Studies show it loses only a little strength after 50 cleanings. This makes it safe for medical devices that are used again.

    Is PET shrink tubing safe for patients?

    PET shrink tubing follows strict safety rules like ISO 10993 and USP Class VI. It does not cause bad reactions with human tissue. Hospitals trust it for use inside the body.

    Discover AccuPath's Commitment to Quality and Innovation in Technology