ABSTRACT
Textile materials in the medical field gradually have taken on more important roles. A biotextile in implantation must meet mechanical requirements and it must be biocompatible. Biocompatibility testing evaluates the response of the host system to the medical textile. Results of this testing must be viewed along with the risks and benefits of the device. Polyurethanes are widely used in biomedical applications. Thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers are suitable for hemodialysis sets, blood oxygenation tubing, blood bags, gas therapy tubing, heart assist devices, pacemaker lead insulators, and connectors. Biomedical fibers can also be classified according to biodegradability. Depending on the application areas, medical textiles can be classified as follows: surgical textiles: textiles for implantation, non-implantable textiles; Textiles in extracorporeal devices; and Healthcare and hygiene products. In the United States, fabric based products used by medical personnel in patient care are considered medical devices. Therefore, their manufacture and sale is regulated by the Federal Drug Administration.
