New Biomaterials Speed Trend Toward Smaller Medical Devices and Implants

Growth in the medical device industry has long been driven by innovation, and lately that innovation is coming from the desire to make devices and implants smaller. This trend is exemplified by the move to minimally invasive implants and techniques such as laparoscopic surgery and robotic surgery. The approach leads to faster patient recovery times, less scarring (smaller devices mean the incision can be smaller, too), shorter hospitalization, and a lower total cost of care. New devices and techniques like these are driving medical device industry growth. The United States is the largest medical device market in the world, valued at $156 billion (in 2017) and expected to grow to $208 billion by 2023, up 33%, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. The U.S. had 40% of the global medical device market in 2017. In developing smaller medical devices and techniques, medical device companies look for bio-materials that reduce the profile of devices without compromising strength, durability, flexibility, and bio-compatibility. One significant advance in the industry is the increased use of ultra-high polyethylene fiber, which has inherent performance advantages over alternatives such as steel, polyester, and nylon fibers. This material known as ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber is used in the design of smaller medical devices or implants. The UHMWPE fiber is stronger and thinner; has a higher resistance to chemicals, fatigue, and abrasion; and has lower f...
Source: MDDI - Category: Medical Devices Authors: Tags: Materials Source Type: news