Bioabsorbable medical device parts are made of materials that can be broken down by the body, which means they can be absorbed without causing harm. This makes them a preferable choice for devices that need to be removed, such as stents and sutures, because they don't create a foreign object in the body.
To create a bioabsorbable medical device part, manufacturers must first select a material that is biocompatible and will degrade in a controlled manner. This can be difficult, as many materials used in medical devices are not biodegradable at all or only slowly degrade. Some common materials used for implantable medical part design include polylactic acid (PLA), starch-based films, chitosan films, and alginate films.
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Once a material has been selected, it needs to be tested for compatibility with other components of the device. If it is not compatible, it may need to be modified before being used in the part. Once all of the compatibility tests are complete, the material must then be engineered into a design that meets specific requirements. For example, PLA must be extruded into thin films and then cross-linked to form strong bonds between layers so that it won’t break down easily.
Bioabsorbable medical device parts have a number of benefits that make them an attractive option for healthcare providers. Bioabsorbable materials can be absorbed into the body over time and eliminated without causing any harm or adverse effects. This makes bioabsorbable devices more environmentally friendly and safer than traditional implants.
Bioabsorbable materials are also easier to remove than traditional implants. This makes them ideal for patients who want to avoid surgery or who are concerned about potential side effects from surgery. Additionally, bioabsorbable materials can be removed if they become defective or if the patient decides to switch to a different implant type.