Surgical
Precision tubes, wires, components and assemblies for medicine and science.
Tullamed’s Role
We meet the demands of surgical instruments including endoscope manufacturers by supplying prototype and production quantities of precision components.
The more recent introduction of robotic surgery has spurred new requirements for tube and wire components to assist remote activation.
Our capability for fast turnaround of tubular and wire components and assemblies, including precision CNC machined parts places us in pole position as a supplier.
Applications
The applications of metal components in these specialties are as follows:
Orthopaedic Surgical Tools and Instruments
Orthopaedic surgery focuses on the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons. Metal components are widely used due to their strength and ability to withstand mechanical stress.
Materials Commonly Used
– Stainless Steel (e.g., 316L): Corrosion-resistant and cost-effective, used in tools and implants.
– Titanium and Titanium Alloys: Lightweight, strong, and biocompatible, ideal for implants and instruments.
– Cobalt-Chromium Alloys: High wear resistance, used in joint replacements and cutting tools.
Applications:
Cutting Instruments**: Bone saws, drills, and osteotomes often use stainless steel or titanium for their sharpness and durability.
Fixation Devices**: Screws, plates, and nails made of titanium or stainless steel stabilize fractures and support bone healing.
Joint Replacement Implants**: Hip, knee, and shoulder prostheses utilize cobalt-chromium or titanium for their longevity and compatibility with human tissue.
Retractors and Forceps**: Stainless steel retractors and clamps hold tissues and bones during surgery, leveraging the metal’s rigidity.
Ophthalmic Surgical Tools and Instruments
Ophthalmic surgery involves delicate procedures on the eye, requiring precision instruments with fine metal components.
Materials Commonly Used:
– Titanium: Lightweight and non-magnetic, preferred for microsurgical tools.
– Tungsten Carbide: Added to cutting edges for enhanced durability and sharpness.
Applications:
Microsurgical Instruments**: Scissors, forceps, and needle holders made of titanium or stainless steel are used for procedures like cataract surgery or retinal repair due to their precision and fine tips.
Phacoemulsification Tips**: Titanium tips in phacoemulsification devices (used in cataract surgery) break up and remove the lens with ultrasonic vibrations.
Speculums and Retractors**: Stainless steel speculums hold eyelids open during surgery, providing strength and reliability.
Keratomes and Blades**: Stainless steel or tungsten carbide blades create precise incisions in corneal surgery.
ENT Surgical Tools and Instruments
ENT surgery addresses conditions of the ear, nose, and throat, often requiring specialized tools for confined and sensitive areas.
Materials Commonly Used:
– Stainless Steel: Versatile and widely used for its durability and ease of sterilization.
– Titanium: Employed in delicate ear surgeries for its biocompatibility and lightweight properties.
– Nitinol (Nickel-Titanium Alloy): Shape-memory properties make it useful in stents or flexible instruments.
Applications:
Otologic Instruments**: Micro-forceps, curettes, and drills made of titanium or stainless steel are used in ear surgeries (e.g., cochlear implants or mastoidectomy).
Endoscopic Tools**: Stainless steel shafts in endoscopes provide rigidity for nasal and sinus surgeries.
Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy Tools**: Snares and dissectors made of stainless steel offer precision and strength for tissue removal.
Laryngeal Instruments**: Stainless steel laryngoscopes and biopsy forceps assist in throat examinations and procedures.
Common Characteristics Across Fields**
Sterilization: Metal components can withstand autoclaving and chemical sterilization, ensuring safety in surgical environments.
Precision Engineering: Advanced machining allows metal tools to achieve the fine tolerances required for intricate surgeries.
Talk to us about your project.
Tullamed
Based in County Clare, Ireland, and Oxford, UK, our business is to research, develop and refine precision manufacturing and coating processes. We manufacture ultra-precise mandrels for use in catheter manufacture, extrusion and inspection of polymer tube and metal hypotube. Our wire straightening, centreless grinding, CNC machining and laser-based manufacturing processes are geared to making specialised components and assemblies for medical devices.
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Ireland Office
Tullamed Limited
M5 Smithstown Industrial Estate
Shannon
V14 YT61
UK Office:
Tullamed Technologies Limited
North Leigh Business Park
North Leigh
Witney
OX29 6SW