Vitelene®

Vitamin E stabilized highly crosslinked polyethylene - Applied technology. In vivo performance.

Vitelene® is a highly crosslinked polyethylene blended with vitamin E. Vitamin E provides long-term oxidation protection by binding free radicals through the release of H atoms. Polyethylene powder GUR 1020 is mixed with vitamin E (0.1 % - α-tocopherol) and pressed into sheets. Afterwards a total dose of 80 kGy electron beam radiation is applied to crosslink the blank product. Vitelene® inserts are manufactured using CNC technology and sterilized with ethylene oxide. Vitelene® needs no thermal treatment and has, therefore, balanced mechanical properties. It is characterized by wear and oxidation resistance. The articulation material Vitelene® is offered with the AESCULAP® acetabular cup systems Plasmafit®, Plasmafit® Dual Mobility as well as Plasmafit® Revision.

Highly crosslinked polyethylene with vitamin E 

In contrast to polyethylene implants which are doped with vitamin E by diffusion as finished parts, blending of polyethylene by mixing vitamin E already into the raw powder guarantees a vitamin E concentration also in the deep areas of the material. Thanks to its excellent wear and oxidation resistance and balanced mechanical properties, Vitelene® represents the latest generation of highly crosslinked polyethylene for total hip arthroplasty.

Good longterm results 

The wear rate of Vitelene® is very low even after extreme artificial aging. The vitamin E concentration is still sufficient to eliminate oxidative reactions and therefore reduces wear throughout the whole lifespan of the total hip arthroplasty. Oxidation leads to degradation of polyethylene. Vitamin E increases the resistance of polyethylene against oxidative processes and strengthens the bearing material. The mechanical properties impact strength, tensile strength and elongation of Vitelene® are unchanged even after 42 days of artificial aging. Thus the laboratory tests show an excellent longterm stability of Vitelene® against mechanical stress.