The aim and structure of this book

Biocompatibility in materials is not precisely defined, and so all claims of biocompatibility should be read with caution. A useful definition, which is accepted by most experts, is Biocompatibility is the ability of a material to perform with an appropriate host response in a specific application (Williams, D.F., Definitions in Biomaterials. Proceedings of a Consensus Conference of the European Society for Biomaterials, Chester, England, 3-5 March 1986, Vol. 4, Elsevier, New York, 1987). For more information see Biomaterials Science an introduction to materials in medicine. Ratner, B.D., Hoffman, A.S., Schoen, F.J., and Lemons, J.E. (eds.). Academic Press, 1996. 

Estradiol/poly[ethylene-co-(vinyl acetate)] Estraderm , Ciba Pharmaceutical Co. Estrogen replacement therapy 

BCNU/poly[carboxyphenoxy- Gliadel , Rhone-Poulenc Reeurrent glioblastoma multi- 

Leuprolide acetate/poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) Lupron Depot , Takeda Chemical Industries Endometriosis 

Levonorgestrel/silicone elastomer Norplant , Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories Implantable contraceptive 

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