Medical and Surgical Applications

Cryomedicine The use of cryogens in various medical and surgical applications. 

A number of wound dressing types are available for a variety of medical and surgical applications. The functions of these materials include providing protection against... 

Poly(lactic acid)s (PLA)s have been produced for many years. PLAs resemble clear poly(styrene) and have good gloss and clarity for aesthetic appeal, along with physical properties weU suited for use as fibers, films, and thermo-formed packaging. PLA is biocompatible and have been used extensively in medical and surgical applications, i.e. sutures and drug delivery devices (1). 

Jarman-Smith [33] discusses the increasing use of PEEK as a replacement for metal and ceramics in a variety of medical and surgical applications. He provides an overview of the properties of this material, as well as of some of its newest applications. Topics discussed include advances in applications for the spine, advances in joint replacement, advances in trauma applications, advances in craniomaxillofacial applications, extending the properties of PEEK, and, options beyond using metal and ceramics. 

Section 3 (medical and Surgical Applications) stresses, among others, some applications in the cardiovascular field, that along with the dental and orthopaedic applications of polymers constitute one of the main and most attractive outlets for ad hoc formulated macro-molecular materials. 

Various materials are used for medical and surgical applications. Closely-woven cotton is widely used throughout the world in operating theatres and, when dry, has some ability to resist transmission of infection by direct contact. However, even when new it has no resistance to wetting out. 

Marques M J, Silva M E (1999), New Materials for Medical and Surgical Applications (Non-Active Medical Devices) . Materials99 Conference, Guimaraes, Portugal. 

Chvapil, M., Kronenthal, R.I.. and van Winkle, W.,Jr. (1962) Medical and surgical applications of collagen. In International review of Connective Tissue Research, 6, 1-61. 

Some textile materials and products are designed for medical and surgical applications in which a combination of strength, flexibility, and sometimes moisture and air permeability is required. Ihe optimiun conditions for these textile materials have resulted from the examination of some structural properties of hydroxypropyl cellulose doped with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) in different weight percentages [149]. Ihe main observations made were that the modifications in the properties of the host polymer (cellulose derivative) depend on the chemical nature of the doping agent (poly(vinyl alcohol)) and also on the manner in which they interact with the host matrix. 

Jones, B.J., Mahendran, A., Anson, A.W., Reynolds, A.J., Bulpett, R., Franks, J., 2010. Diamond-like carbon coating of alternative metal alloys for medical and surgical applications. Diamond and Related Materials 19 (7), 685—689. 

It is expected that the intermacromolecular complexes display entirely new physical and chemical characteristics different from those of the individual polymer components. So the following applications are, for example, considered membranes for dialysis, ultrafiltration, fuel cells and battery separators, wearing apparel, electrically conductive and antistatic coatings for textiles, medical and surgical prosthetic materials, environmental sensors or chemical detectors, and electrodes modified with specific polymers. 

In most medical and paramedical applications of plastics, the materials used are those aheady produced by the manufacturers in a polymerized or formulated form. Certain surgical and dental apphcations, however, require that the material be polymerized or formulated just prior to use. Surgical cements and adhesives, a host of dental filling materials, materials for dentures, cavity liners, and protective coatings for tooth surfaces are in this category. 

PEG-treated fabric may be useful in medical and hygiene applications where both liquid transport and antibacterial properties are desirable, such as surgical gauze, nappies and incontinence products. Heat-storage and thermo-regulated textiles can keep the skin temperature within the comfort range, so they can be used as a bandage and for burn and heat/cool therapy. 

Several types of adhesives, mainly hot melts, are employed in the construction of diapers, sanitary, medical, and surgical products. In the past, this application was solidly held by polyolefin hot melts. However, styrenic block copolymers are rapidly penetrating this market. They are elastomeric, thus have the advantage of stretchability. The principal bonding operation is adhering the nonwoven absorptive web... 

Cotton is a soft fiber that grows around the seeds of the cotton plant. Cool, soft, and comfortable, cotton is presently the world s most-used fiber, with applications in apparel, home furnishings, medical and surgical materials, and many other industrial products. Cotton fabrics have a pleasant luster, a soft drape, and a smooth hand. They are very comfortable to wear due to their soft hand and other characteristics. Cotton fabrics have excellent absorbing capabilities and, by absorbing perspiration, they keep the wearer more comfortable. Absorbent cotton products can retain 24-27 times their own weight of water and are stronger when wet than dry. 

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