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 success1, our proprietary process results in:
Exceptional Oxidative Stability2
It’s widely accepted that oxidation is a primary aging mechanism of polyethylene, which can lead to osteolysis and implant failure.12 The oxidative stability of Vivacit-E HXPE is the result of a proprietary process that grafts (locks) vitamin E directly to the polyethylene chain.6-9 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.2
Ultra-low Wear3
The ultra-low wear rates of Longevity liners have been well established over 13 years of clinical history.1 In tests on 2 week-aged 40 mm articulation size Vivacit-E liners and Longevity liners, Vivacit-E liners showed ultra-low wear rates comparable to Longevity liners.3
To prove Vivacit-E HXPE’s long-term ultra-low wear properties a wear test was run out to 100 million cycles. The test proved Vivacit-E HXPE has ultra-low wear properties even after long-term simulator testing.10
Improved Strength4,5
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 F2003.2,4,11