Synthetic polymers repair

Biomaterials for Cardiovascular Devices. Perhaps the most advanced field of biomaterials is that for cardiovascular devices. For several decades bodily parts have been replaced or repaired by direct substitution using natural tissue or selected synthetic materials. The development of implantable-grade synthetic polymers, such as siHcones and polyurethanes, has made possible the development of advanced cardiac assist devices (see... 

Collagen/synthetic polymer Vascular repair skin repair wound dressings... 

Electrospun synthetic polymer scaffold for cartilage repair without cultured cells in an animal model. Arthroscopy, 26 (3), 375-383. 

In other advances, we see polymers and natural tissue in competition. For example, in small diameter blood vessel repair, the saphenous vein is still the best. However, we are now approaching the first human implantation of small diameter synthetic polymer vascular prostheses to help those patients who have no useable saphenous vein. The ball and disc type of heart valve prostheses are still not as good as the processed natural tissue porcine valve. Yet even here we use a polymeric or metal stint to support the porcine tissue. The artificial kidney has been miniaturized, but in terms of patient well-being it has improved very little since the 1940 s. Also, the A/V shunts have given way to A/V fistulas since we do not have good polymers for long-term access. Peritoneal dialysis is becoming a better dialysis procedure for the patient, primarily because of the improvement of a polymeric access to the peritoneal cavity. 

Leipziger, L.S., Glushko, V., DiBernardo, B., Shafaie, F., Noble, J., Nichols and Alvarez, O.M. (1985) Dermal wound repair Role of collagen matrix implants and synthetic polymer dressings./. Am. Acad. Dermatol., 12, 409-419. 

HoUinger, J.O. and Battistone, G.C. Biodegradable bone repair materials. Synthetic polymers and ceramics. Clin. Orthop. Relat. Res., 207,290,1986. 

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