|
Present trends and future prospects of Plastics in Medical Applications
- Dr. B Ramaraj, Senior Technical Officer, CIPET, Mysore
|
ABSTRACT
Plastic is the world’s most versatile material with wide range of applications than any other material virtually in all areas of human activities, whether in electrical, electronic, automobile including medical field. In the earlier issue, the author has elaborated the properties of some of the important thermoplastics, like PVC, PP, PE, PP, PS, ABS, Polyester, TPU, TPE, Polythermide, etc. In this issue, the properties like Polysulfone, Polyethersulfone, Polyarylether sulfone, Polyphenyleneoxide (PPO) and its clinical applications in cardiovascular systems, renal, neurosurgery, orthopedic, maxillofacial, opthalmological and contraceptive applications are covered.
|
Polysulfone
One of the first high temperature thermoplastic materials to be sterilizable by all techniques, polysulfone meets the demanding medical requirements . The availability of a clear grade makes this material the only choice for sterilizable vacuum-formed medical equipment. and custom colors to complement this material’s broad offering to the medical industry.
Polyether sulfone (PES)
Polyether Sulfone is also sometimes called Polyarylsulfone. With outstanding chemical resistance for an amorphous thermoplastic, withstands cold sterilants, disinfectants, and germicides. this is the material of choice for electro-mechanical surgical tools. Dimensional stability and maintenance of physical properties at elevated temperatures are among its key features.
Polyaryl ether sulfone (PAES)
PolyArylEtherSulfone (PAES) is also commonly referred to as Polyphenylsulfone (PPSU). It has virtually unlimited steam sterilizability, making it an excellent choice for medical devices. It also resists common acids and bases - including commercial washing solutions - over a broad temperature range. It is available in transparent, natural (bone white), and custom colors. It is commonly used in sterilization trays, dental and surgical instrument handles, orthopedic implant trials and in fluid handling coupling and fitting applications.
Polyphenylene Oxide & Styrene
PPO is an important structural material with high strength and excellent temperature resistance. It may be machined to close tolerances and maintains dimensional stability even when exposed to moisture. It may be used continuously at temperatures in excess of 220°F.
Clinical applications
Cardiovascular systems
Artificial heart devices
The due to high death rate, due to heart failure, replacement using a artificial heart, there have been many breakthrough s in artificial heart design, The most widely used heart pump is made of polyurethane. The polymeric materials used in heart studies include PVC, Silicone rubber and polyolefin rubber apart from Polyurethane.
Page 2
|
