Plastics Reshaping Wearable Medical Devices

Developments in medical technology have increased the demand for advanced materials and their use in various applications in the medical industry in everything from packaging liquids and solids to replacing biological structures in humans. Key drivers for increased demand for medical devices include growing and aging population, advanced medical procedures involving electronics and complicated/contagious diseases.

Here are some of the prominent areas for the application of plastic materials in medicine

1)General Medical Supplies: bandages, gloves, blood bags, catheters, syringes, IV kits and tubing.

2)Diagnostic and Surgical Equipment: MRI machines, ECG monitors, and surgical equipment.

3)ENT: hearing aids.

4)Orthopedics: Prosthesis for joints such as shoulder, elbow, hip, knee have seen substantial adoption

5)Drug Delivery Systems: As the name suggests this includes implants which can deliver drugs to the determined target.This has recently seen keen interest with demand towards the controlled release of drugs into the body.

6)Dental: Teeth and gums are prone to decay/destruction by bacteria. In such cases, dental implants are useful.

7)Cardiovascular Applications: valves and arteries tend to loose shape or get blocked due to fat deposits or other reasons. Replacement or unblocking devices can be incorporated to treat the affected areas. Other applications such as intraocular lenses can be used to treat disability related to eyes