ELASTOMERS IN MEDICINE

This periodical, literature-based, review paper focuses on the elastomer/biomedicine interface of the past dozen years, although the need for historical perspective requires inclusion of some earlier references. The technical literature during this period dealing with elastomeric biomaterials has broadened. It becomes quickly apparent in reviewing the recent literature that elastomers have been making profound contributions to both the quality and the extension of human life. This survey includes sections on testing, purification, and surface modification of elastomers, as well as the practical issue of the newly developing regulatory aspects of elastomeric medical devices. The review is presented under headings - introduction; implants, prostheses, and artificial organs; elastomers in the controlled administration of drugs; elastomeric closures for drug containers; purification of elastomeric compositions; testing; requlatory aspects.