Medical Textiles

Due to astounding technological developments, techincal textiles are extensively used in the healthcare industry today. In the field of medical application, technical textiles are not just used in contact with the skin, but also fulfill important functions within the body (intra-corporal applications like implants). Technical textiles offer medical and hygiene industry with unparalleled protection, comfort and cost saving.

These highly specialized and bio- compatible technical textiles, used for medical and hygiene applications are called “MEDTECH.” The characteristics required of MEDTECH vary depending on the task for which they are to be used. Some applications demand a protective function, others a high absorptive capacity and some other others impermeability. Special antimicrobial finishes are an important characteristic of these textiles

Depending on the nature of application, most of the medical products are disposable in nature and are made of nonwoven fabrics. In global markets disposables are fast replacing non-disposable health care textiles.

Some areas of usage are:

• Healthcare/ hygiene products- Include bedding, clothing, surgical clothes, products for feminine hygiene like sanitary napkins, baby and adult diapers etc.
• Non-implantable materials- For wound care that includes absorbent pad (wound contact layer, base material viscose, plastic film) and bandages (simple inelastic/elastic, orthopaedic, plasters, gauzes, lint, padding)
• Textiles in Extracorporeal devices- Like artificial kidney, liver and lungs.
• Implantable materials- Like sutures (biodegradable and non-biodegradable), soft tissue implants, artificial tendon (meshes), artificial ligament, artificial cartilage, orthopedic implants artificial joint, cardiovascular implants vascular grafts, heart valves.
• Healthcare/hygiene products- Include bedding, clothing, surgical gown clothes, filters, bandages, support and protective material, surgical sutures etc.