Production of zip tie with poly(l-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) for use in laparoscopic apendectomy

The aim of this study is the production of polymeric zip tie (cable tie) for use in excision of appendix with inflammation, that is one of the most frequently seen acute abdomen disease, by laparoscopic appendectomy. For this purpose, PLLA and PCL homo- and copolymers, which are approved by Food and Drug Administration for use in medical devices, were synthesized by using L-lactide dimer and -caprolactone monomer. Mechanical tests were applied on the test specimens produced from these polymer/copolymers and selected copolymer was melt processed by a ram extruder using a two piece mold formed by a 3D printer. This study was assessed in two parts. IN the first part of this study polymer/copolymers were synthesized using monomer and dimer in different proportions, and these polymer/copolymers were characterized in order to determine physical and chemical properties. In the second part of the study, copolymer with appropriate properties was selected from these characterized polymer/copolymers and molded by heat process.