Shape-memory polyurethane cellular solids for minimally invasive surgical procedures

Due to their peculiar properties, shape-memory polymers (SMPs) can be considered ideal candidate materials for the repair of tissue defects using mini-invasive procedures, since body temperature can be used as a driving force to activate the shape-memory behavior. Porous structures can be obtained by different fabrication methods, allowing for a broad spectrum of morphological properties, resulting in tunable thermo-mechanical and shape-memory recovery properties. This chapter deals with methods to design, produce, and adequately characterize the porous structures of shape-memory polyurethanes (SMPUs) that are intended for use as minimally invasive devices.