Weaving in the Medical Field

New research and technology have been paving the way for the use of weaving in the medical field. Biomedical textiles are made from a variety of materials and are being used in a diverse array of medical applications. From sutures and grafts to ligaments and implants, biomedical textiles are saving lives. Take a look at some of the most common uses of weaving in medicine today:

Soft Tissue Implants

Examples of these are skin patches and artificial tendons. Tissue growth and cell attachment are an important benefit and are affected by the characteristics of woven mesh implants including chemical structure, surface roughness, and flexibility. Common applications of such implants include the creation of artificial breasts, ears, and noses.

Hard Tissue Implants

In designing artificial joints and bones, particularly important aspects include chemical stability and strength as these implants can be used to preserve and promote tissue growth. These factors are enhanced in the weaving process, helping to aid in growth around implants themselves.

Vascular Devices

These devices improve outcomes by permitting the bypass of a blockage to restore circulation in weakened or blocked cardiovascular systems, including grafts or stents. Through tightly-woven and weavable technologies, anatomically correct structures are created for these types of procedures. Defect-free weaving is crucial to these procedures in order to resist clotting and other complications.

Hernia Repair

Knitted or woven meshes can be used in hernia repair and abdominal wall replacement. As strength and fixation are critical in these areas, such meshes can be designed with specific porosities or textures that match the desired function over different lengths of time.

Cardiac Repairs

In an aortic repair, a tubular prosthetic made of biomedical textile integrates with a repaired vessel over time. By threading a woven aortic abdominal aneurysm (AAA) device near an affected artery, life threatening conditions can be prevented through its support and implementation. Many of these procedures can be done via catheter, making this a less invasive option than open heart surgery.

Biomedical textiles have greatly improved many aspects of medicine when meticulously made fabrics and structures are utilized to support bodily functions. These are only a few examples of how weaving in the medical field can have an impact on human wellness and survival.

Textile production techniques can be taken and applied throughout multiple industries. As exhibited in the medical world, creating artificial or replacement body parts are no longer thoughts of science fiction, but rather, reality. Through the process of photography, structural modeling, and weaving, the combination of manufacturing and medical solutions are creating a new frontier for both sectors. If interested in more information on certain parts, machinery, or methods that help make this possible, contact Fletcher Industries at 910-692-7133

References:
https://www.ballyribbon.com/3-ways-textiles-can-save-lives-medical-industry
https://www.swicofil.com/consult/core-markets/medical/biomedical-textiles
https://www.azom.com/news.aspx?newsID=47086
https://chemical-materials.elsevier.com/new-materials-applications/weaving-synthetic-tissues/
http://www.indiantextilejournal.com/articles/FAdetails.asp?id=2689