Yu Tokura

As medical device design continues to evolve, engineers are under increasing pressure to deliver softer, more compliant devices without sacrificing long-term performance, durability, or manufacturability. This panel discussion will explore how advances in polycarbonate-based thermoplastic polyurethane (PCTPU) are reshaping material options for patient-contacting and implantable applications by delivering silicone-like softness alongside the mechanical integrity required for demanding long-term use.

Panelists will examine the evolution of medical TPU—from early flexibility-driven materials to today’s platform-based polymer architectures designed for enhanced softness, mechanical strength, and long-term implantability. The discussion will highlight how polymer architecture can be used to achieve silicone-like softness while maintaining critical performance characteristics and thermoplastic processability.