title: Use of synthetic polymers for biomedical application.
abstract: Synthetic polymers have been used for numerous biomedical and pharmacologic purposes. These include prosthetic implants, suture material and drug carriers. Long-term results are often unpredictable despite the continuing exposure to an often hostile physiologic environment. Biocompatibility in general is influenced by physical, chemical and structural properties of these polymers. While surface phenomena are important, reactions related to the bulk itself are not negligible. Methods for analyzing surface and bulk interfaces are described. These tests are directly applicable to studies of polysiloxane (silicone) and polyurethane cardiac pacing leads.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001777:Blood Coagulation / Q000187:drug effects; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011140:Polyurethanes / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012828:Silicones / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012833:Siloxanes / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013057:Spectrum Analysis; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D011140:Polyurethanes; D012828:Silicones; D012833:Siloxanes