Biomedical implants can undergo different degradation mechanisms once implanted in vivo due to the interaction with biological environment and working conditions (e.g., cyclic load). It is important to investigate the causes of failure to improve performances of the device or of some of its components in terms of design or materials. The present chapter provides the readers with notes on reasons for retrieved implants investigation, in particular referring to the polymeric component of implantable devices. Furthermore, examples of possible ex vivo analysis are reported in particular silicone breast implants and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) components failed in vivo.
"Traditional" polymer medical devices: Ex vivo analysis
L. Altomare;S. Fare'
2017-01-01
Abstract
Biomedical implants can undergo different degradation mechanisms once implanted in vivo due to the interaction with biological environment and working conditions (e.g., cyclic load). It is important to investigate the causes of failure to improve performances of the device or of some of its components in terms of design or materials. The present chapter provides the readers with notes on reasons for retrieved implants investigation, in particular referring to the polymeric component of implantable devices. Furthermore, examples of possible ex vivo analysis are reported in particular silicone breast implants and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) components failed in vivo.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
