Ahammad Byzid
Medical textiles are fiber-based products used in medical settings, including first aid, clinical, surgical, and hygienic purposes. Medical textiles can be made from various materials, including polymers, fibers, yarns, and fabrics, which can be in the form of woven, knitted, braided, or nonwoven materials. The materials used in medical textiles must have properties such as strength, softness, biocompatibility, elasticity, flexibility, nontoxicity, non-carcinogenic, non-allergenic, and air and water permeability. Medical textiles offer a wide range of applications in the medical industry, including surgical drapes, bedding, blankets, sheets, pillow covers, general clothing, protective clothing, seats, and absorbent layers. Medical textiles are rigorously tested to ensure care and quality for users. The global medical textile market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.3% during the forecast period (2023–2031), reaching USD 42.69 billion by 2031.
History
Medical textiles have a rich history dating back centuries. The use of textiles in medicine began with simple bandages and wound dressings in ancient times, made from materials like linen or cotton. The evolution of medical textiles accelerated with advancements in technology and understanding of materials. In the 19th century, the development of sterile surgical techniques led to the production of gauze and surgical dressings. Louis Pasteur’s work on germ theory further emphasized the importance of hygiene in medical practices, prompting the creation of sterilizable textiles .The 20th century saw significant progress with the invention of synthetic fibers like nylon and polyester, which expanded the range of medical textile applications. These materials offered characteristics such as strength, flexibility, and sterilizability, leading to their use in surgical sutures, implants, artificial organs, and more. Today, medical textiles encompass a wide range of products, including wound dressings, implants, compression garments, surgical gowns, and even smart textiles embedded with sensors for monitoring health parameters. The field continues to evolve with ongoing research into innovative materials and technologies for better patient care and improved medical outcomes.
Classifications
Medical textiles are versatile fibrous fabrics designed for various healthcare applications. They can be classified into different types based on their fiber composition, structure, and applications. Here are some common classifications:
1. Fiber types: Medical textiles can be made from natural and regenerated fibers (cotton, silk, wood pulp, viscose) or synthetic fibers (polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyamide, PTFE, carbon, glass, silica).
2. Fabric structures: There are four main types of fabric structures used in medical textiles: woven, knitted, braided, and nonwoven. Woven and knitted fabrics are made from yarns, while nonwoven fabrics can be made directly from fibers or polymers.
3. Implantable materials: These are used for various purposes inside the human body, such as closure or replacement surgery, and must be capable of anti-microbial activity, be re-washable, and be free-size.
4. Non-implantable medical textiles: These are used for external support, wound healing, and pain reduction.
5. Extracorporeal medical textiles: These are used in devices like mechanical lungs, artificial kidneys, and artificial livers.
Some examples of medical textile products include:
– Surgical drapes, bedding, blankets, sheets, and pillow covers
– General clothing like uniforms and protective clothing like gloves
– Seats for medical equipment and devices
– Absorbent layers for wound care
They are designed to be non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, non-allergenic, fully biocompatible, and anti-microbial.
Production process & techniques
The production of medical textiles involves various processes and techniques, depending on the type of fabric and the specific requirements of the medical application. Some key aspects of the production process include:
1. Fiber selection: Medical textiles can be made from natural fibers (cotton, silk, wood pulp, viscose) or synthetic fibers (polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyamide, PTFE, carbon, glass, silica). The choice of fiber depends on the desired properties and performance of the medical textile.
2. Weaving, knitting, braiding, or nonwoven: Depending on the type of medical textile, the fabric is created using weaving, knitting, braiding, or nonwoven techniques. These techniques involve interlacing fibers or yarns to form a strong and durable material.
3. Finishing and treatments: Textile materials used in medical applications often undergo various finishing and treatments to enhance their properties, such as biocompatibility, antimicrobial activity, and durability. These treatments can include coating with biocompatible polymers, sterilization, and chemical alterations.
4. Quality control and testing: Medical textiles are rigorously tested to ensure their safety and effectiveness in medical settings. The testing process includes evaluating properties such as absorbency, tenacity, flexibility, softness, bio-stability, and biodegradability.
5. Technological advancements: The medical textile industry is continuously evolving, with new technologies such as 3D printing, electrospinning, and advanced materials being developed to improve the performance and properties of medical textiles.
Safety regulations and standards
Medical textiles are subject to various safety regulations and standards to ensure their safety and effectiveness in medical settings. Some of the key safety regulations and standards for medical textiles include:
1. FDA registration: Medical textile manufacturers must register their products with the FDA, which requires proof of the product’s effectiveness, safety, and proper labeling.
2. FDA 510(k) registration: Surgical textiles, such as gowns, drapes, and wrappers, must undergo a 510(k) registration process to demonstrate their safety and effectiveness.
3. ANSI/AAMI PB 70:2003: This performance standard provides guidance on test methods, minimum barrier performance requirements, and acceptable quality levels for medical textile manufacturers.
4. AATCC 100 test: This test method, established by the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists, is used to evaluate the degree of antibacterial activity of antimicrobial textiles.
5. ASTM E 2149 and AATCC 147: These methods are used to test the antimicrobial properties of medical textiles.
6. Biocompatibility: Medical textiles must be non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, non-allergenic, antimicrobial, and biocompatible.
7. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations: Textile industries, including medical textile production, must comply with OSHA regulations to ensure safe working conditions and prevent workplace accidents and injuries.
These safety regulations and standards help ensure that medical textiles are safe and effective for use in medical settings, providing patients and healthcare workers with the necessary protection and support.
Lastly, medical textiles are a sector of technical textiles that focuses on fiber-based products used in healthcare applications such as prevention, care, and hygiene. They serve as a bridge between biological sciences and engineering, and their development has been significantly impacted by advancements in materials science and related research. Medical textiles can be constructed in various forms, such as 2D or 3D shapes, and have properties like softness, stretch, weight, and biodegradability that can be customized. Students in medical textiles programs complete fundamental coursework in polymers and fibrous materials, textile processing technologies, as well as physical, chemical, and biological sciences. They can pursue careers in product development engineering, quality assurance, production management, clinical sales and marketing, regulatory affairs, hospital procurement, and research and development.
References:
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_textiles
[2] https://www.jasonmills.com/blog/medical-textiles/
[3] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/medical-textile
[4] https://textiles.ncsu.edu/academics/undergraduate/textile-technology/medical-textiles/
[5] https://www.technicaltextile.net/articles/medical-textiles-types-and-applications-9409
[6] https://straitsresearch.com/report/medical-textile-market
[7] https://textilelearner.net/medical-textiles/
[8] https://www.mddionline.com/orthopedic/medical-textile-structures-an-overview
[9] https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.262
[11] https://textechindustries.com/blog/applications-medical-fabrics/
