The effective sterilisation of any material or device to be implanted in or used in close contact with the human body is essential for the elimination of harmful agents such as bacteria. Sterilisation of biomaterials and medical devices reviews established and commonly used technologies alongside new and emerging processes.Following an introduction to the key concepts and challenges involved in sterilisation, the sterilisation of biomaterials and medical devices using steam and dry heat, ionising radiation and ethylene oxide is reviewed. A range of non-traditional sterilisation techniques, such as hydrogen peroxide gas plasma, ozone and steam formaldehyde, is then discussed together with research in sterilisation and decontamination of surfaces by plasma discharges. Sterilisation techniques for polymers, drug-device products and tissue allografts are then reviewed, together with antimicrobial coatings for ‘self-sterilisation’ and the challenge presented by prions and endotoxins in the sterilisation of reusable medical devices. The book concludes with a discussion of future trends in the sterilisation of biomaterials and medical devices.With its distinguished editors and expert team of international contributors, Sterilisation of biomaterials and medical devices is an essential reference for all materials scientists, engineers and researchers within the medical devices industry. It also provides a thorough overview for academics and clinicians working in this area. Reviews established and commonly used technologies alongside new and emerging processes Introduces and reviews the key concepts and challenges involved in sterilisation Discusses future trends in the sterilisation of biomaterials and medical devices

Despite advances in materials and sterilisation, patients who receive biomaterials of medical device implants are still at risk of developing an infection around the implantation site. This book reviews the fundamentals of biomaterials and medical device related infections and methods and materials for the treatment and prevention of infection. The first part of the book provides readers with an introduction to the topic including analyses of biofilms, diagnosis and treatment of infection, pathology and topography. The second part of the book discusses a range of established and novel technologies and materials which have been designed to prevent infection. Provides analysis of biofilms and their relevance to implant associated infections. Assesses technologies for controlling biofilms. Considers advantages and disadvantages of in vivo infection studies.

Sterilisation has always been challenging but sterilisation of healthcare products and polymers, especially together is an even greater challenge - how do you sterilise without adversely affecting the end use or the end user? This book discusses all the sterilisation methods used for polymeric healthcare products both traditional and new.

Despite recent advances in medical devices using other materials, metallic implants are still one of the most commercially significant sectors of the industry. Given the widespread use of metals in medical devices, it is vital that the fundamentals and behaviour of this material are understood. Metals in biomedical devices reviews the latest techniques in metal processing methods and the behaviour of this important material. Initial chapters review the current status and selection of metals for biomedical devices. Chapters in part two discuss the mechanical behaviour, degradation and testing of metals with specific chapters on corrosion, wear testing and biocompatibility of biomaterials. Part three covers the processing of metals for biomedical applications with chapters on such topics as forging metals and alloys, surface treatment, coatings and sterilisation. Chapters in the final section discuss clinical applications of metals such as cardiovascular, orthopaedic and new generation biomaterials. With its distinguished editor and team of expert contributors, Metals for biomedical devices is a standard reference for materials scientists, researchers and engineers working in the medical devices industry and academia. Reviews the latest techniques in metal processing methods including surface treatment and sterilisation Examines metal selection for biomedical devices considering biocompatibility of various metals Assesses mechanical behaviour and testing of metals featuring corrosion, fatigue and wear

This book presents vital information on international sterilization standards and guidance on practical application of these standards in the manufacturing process. It covers validation, industrial sterilization methods, emerging sterilization techniques, laboratory testing, manufacturing of sterile devices, and device reuse. Excerpted from The Validator, edited by Anne F. Booth, more than fifty experts share their knowledge of current technologies in easy-to-understand articles that establish methods to ensure compliance. Contents include reviews of ISO sterilization standards, industrial sterilization methods and technologies, and support testing methodologies.

No book has been published that gives a detailed description of all the types of plastic materials used in medical devices, the unique requirements that the materials need to comply with and the ways standard plastics can be modified to meet such needs. This book will start with an introduction to medical devices, their classification and some of the regulations (both US and global) that affect their design, production and sale. A couple of chapters will focus on all the requirements that plastics need to meet for medical device applications. The subsequent chapters describe the various types of plastic materials, their properties profiles, the advantages and disadvantages for medical device applications, the techniques by which their properties can be enhanced, and real-world examples of their use. Comparative tables will allow readers to find the right classes of materials suitable for their applications or new product development needs.

A wide variety of materials is being used in biomedical engineering for various functions. This includes a range of ceramics, polymers and metallic materials for implants and medical devices. A major question is how these materials will perform inside the body, which is very sensitive to alien materials.