Organs, mechanical, extracorporeal

Extracorporeal devices are mechanical organs that are used for blood purification they include the artificial kidney (dialyser), the artificial liver, and the mechanical lung. The function and performance of these devices both benefit from fibre and textile technology. Extracorporeal devices must possess certain requirements, such as bacterial resistance, and they must be anti-allergenic and non-toxic, have good breathability, and possess the ability to withstand sterilisation. Table 5.3 illustrates the function of each device and the materials used in their manufacture. 

In all intra- and extracorporeal applications, the textiles are in direct contact with living tissue and bodily fluids. This requires that the material must not interfere with the organism in any way nor must the used materials be damaged by the biological environment of the body (Planck, 1993). A material that meets both requirements is regarded as biocompatible. The definition of biocompatibility is complex and can only be regarded as the sum of certain properties reflecting the above-mentioned demands. The term itself is described in DIN ISO 10993. A simplified definition that is suitable for most textiles focuses on either chemical, structural, or mechanical properties (compliance). 

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