Product Overview
Zimmer Biomet developed Vivacit-E Vitamin E Highly Crosslinked Polyethylene with antioxidant protection to meet the long-term performance needs of high demand patients. Building on the legacy of Longevity® Highly Crosslinked Polyethylene with more than 13 years of clinical success, our proprietary process results in:
Exceptional Oxidative Stability
It’s widely accepted that oxidation is a primary aging mechanism of polyethylene, which can lead to osteolysis and implant failure. The oxidative stability of Vivacit-E HXPE is the result of a proprietary process that grafts (locks) vitamin E directly to the polyethylene chain. The vitamin E continuously stabilizes the material to prevent oxidative degradation of the polyethylene. When subjected to accelerated aging for 33 weeks (16 times the industry standard), Vivacit-E HXPE showed no signs of oxidation or significant decline in mechanical properties.
Ultra-low Wear
The ultra-low wear rates of Longevity bearings have been well established over 13 years of clinical history. Testing showed ultra-low wear with a 96 percent wear reduction compared to conventional polyethylene and 73 percent wear reduction compared to re-melted HXPE polyethylene.
Improved Strength
There are many tests to define a material’s strength. Zimmer Biomet has realized an improvement in tensile strength with Vivacit-E HXPE. Vivacit-E HXPE has antioxidant protection that eliminates the need to re-melt the polyethylene, leading to an improvement in strength. The vitamin E in Vivacit-E HXPE prevents oxidation, resulting in mechanical strength that is retained after accelerated aging for more than 16 times the 2-week industry standard test according to ASTM F2003. (https://www.zimmerbiomet.com/)
