Lubrizol Launches Soft Thermoplastic for Medical Catheters
The new Tecothane Soft AR-65A material offers high-performance flexibility for interventional vascular devices.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Materials Science
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Lubrizol has officially released its new Tecothane Soft AR-65A, a medical-grade thermoplastic polyurethane designed to improve the construction of interventional catheters. The product is being showcased this week at the MD&M Midwest 2026 conference in Minneapolis.
Why it matters
This material innovation allows engineers to develop medical devices with softer distal sections and slimmer profiles, which are critical for navigating complex vascular anatomy. By maintaining structural integrity while increasing softness, the polyurethane enhances the capabilities of neurovascular and cardiac catheter tools.
The material features a 65A Shore hardness rating and is composed of 100% thermoplastic polyurethane. It is engineered to support various catheter joining methods, including reflow, solvent, laser, and RF welding.
The players
Lubrizol
Headquartered in Cleveland, this specialty chemical company develops advanced materials for the healthcare, automotive, and industrial markets.
The details
The Tecothane Soft AR-65A achieves its unique flexibility without the need for additional blends or additives. Its compatibility with hydrophilic coatings and standard manufacturing processes ensures that device makers can integrate the material into existing production workflows.
Timeline
October 28-29, 2026: Lubrizol showcases the material at MD&M Midwest 2026.
The Big Picture
This development in thermoplastic polyurethane catheter manufacturing represents a shift toward more specialized polymer engineering. It moves the industry beyond traditional additives, setting a new benchmark for material purity and performance in vascular device design.
For medical device manufacturers, this material enables the production of smaller, more flexible catheters that can reach tighter areas of the human body. These improvements may eventually lead to less invasive procedures and reduced recovery times for patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery.
The takeaway
Lubrizol’s new material highlights the critical role of material science in enabling the next generation of minimally invasive medical technology. Engineers and designers working in vascular care should note that this material is now available for integration into existing catheter manufacturing pipelines.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations in medical device manufacturing at Materials Science.
More information
View full technical specifications and application guides on the Tecothane product information page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Medical Design and Outsourcing.
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