Biocompatible surgical devices

Abstract

Abstract The devices comprise at least at their surface a hydrophilic thermoplastic graft copolymer which is an ethylenic carboxylic acid, preferably selected from acrylic acid and alkyl substituted acrylic acids, graft copolymerised onto a base polymer. The base polymer is preferably selected from polyolefins, especially polyethylene and polypropylene, partially and fully fluorinated polyolefins, especially polytetrafluoroethylene, and polyetherurethanes. Graft copolymerisation of the monomers to the base polymer is initiated preferably by ionising radiations, especially gamma radiation. The reaction takes place preferably in an aqueous solution and in the presence of a homopolymerisation inhibitor such as ferrous sulphate or potassium ferricyanide. The base polymer may be graft copolymerised throughout its entire thickness or to a known depth in one or more of its surfaces. The former material exhibits high elastic properties whilst the the latter exhibits a low elasticity and high moduli. The devices may be in the form of prostheses, especially vascular prostheses, or wound dressings, especially in the treatment of skin loss and open wounds, and may also be used in extra-corporeal, body fluid treating devices, such as heart-lung and kidney machines.

Inventors

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