Auxetic biomedical devices

Abstract

This paper deals with the applications of auxetic materials in the field of medical devices and looks at the application of auxetics within patients or applied to patients and to devices that are used in the medical field. In particular the use of auxetic materials with biomedical sensors, mattresses, surgical wire sutures, surgical non-slip braided suture material, dilator devices for coronary angioplasty, origami-type surgical stents, dental floss, smart filters, smart dressings, patches to release topical medication and auxetic artificial intervertebral discs is discussed. The exponential increase in patents granted worldwide for applications of auxetic materials indicates that future developments in this field will be exciting especially in biomedical applications.