Medical applications of polymeric materials.

This review presents a critical analysis of the use of polymeric materials in medicine, other than orthopedic and dental applications. Primary focus is on problem areas with various polymers and plastics in disposable products, implants, and devices, including artificial heart valves, cardiovascular prostheses, cardiopulmonary bypass, and hemodialysis. Several problems are presented especially in the biological evaluation of polymeric materials and devices, including species-related hematological differences and the role of the complement system in blood compatibility. Finally, examples of newer medical applications of polymeric materials are discussed, such as controlled drug delivery, polymeric drugs, and artificial skin.