Size and shape really matter: the influence of design on biocompatibility.
Biocompatibility is normally equated with the characteristics of degradation and toxicity. However, there are many more ways by which a medical device can affect the host, including the way in which devices distribute stress in the tissues. This in turn implies that the design of the device can be influential in determining the host response.
Williams
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Clinical Engineering Department, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, UK. dfw.ce@liverpool.ac.uk
D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000502:physiology; D002455:Cell Division; D002468:Cell Physiological Phenomena; D055598:Chemical Phenomena; D002627:Chemistry, Physical; D003238:Connective Tissue / Q000502:physiology; D003343:Corrosion; D004548:Elasticity; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013499:Surface Properties