Medical devices basic properties

The primary focus of this entry has been to provide a basic understanding of the field of hydrophilic polymers and their uses. These materials have a range of applications both in the bulk and as thin films. For example, hydrogel membranes are used as inhibitors of postsurgi-cal adhesion formation and also as coatings. Dispensing these polymers onto the surface of medical devices can confer desirable surface properties that the substrate... 

Bulk characterization yields information on the macroscopic properties of the biomaterial such as thermal, mechanical, solubility, optical, and dielectric properties. Surface characterization yields morphological information that is critical for interfacing the implant or drug delivery device with the host tissue. This could be achieved by microscopic and spectfoscopic methods. Next in the hierarchy is the characterization of processes such as biodegradation mechanism and kinetics under biomimetic in vitro conditions. Cases of implanted device failure need to be assessed by systematic interrogation of explanted medical devices. After knowing the basic characteristics of the biomaterial, real-time investigation of in vivo processes plays a major role in the successful journey of an implant. 

This part provides a basic overview of some of the more common packaging materials used for medical device packages. Since entire books are published describing the chemical characteristics, applications, and performance properties of packaging materials, it is beyond the scope of this chapter to provide all of the necessary information for the selection of materials for the specific medical device. Consult the references for additional information. 

As the basic component of medical textile materials, the structures and properties of the constituent polymers have a significant effect on the biodegradability, biocompatibility, absorbency, antimicrobial property, and other functional performances of the final medical textile products. Functional modifications of polymers have far-reaching effects on the fibers, yams, fabrics, and textile materials that are processed in a series of downstream operations. In order to generate the desired product performance characteristics for their diverse applications such as hygiene, protection, therapeutic, nonimplantable or implantable materials, extracorporeal devices, etc., the chemical and physical structures of the relevant polymers should be engineered to suit their required specifications. 

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