Polymers
Polymers commonly used for implantable devices can be categorized based on anticipated duration of the polymer in the body ranging from long-term implantables, bioresorbable, and pharmaceutical.
Long-Term Implantables – these include non-resorbable polymers such as polyethylene for limited structural applications to polyketones (PEEK) for spinal applications or sutures with structural performance approximating bone.
Bioresorbables – these include polylactide (PLA), polyglycolide (PGA) and copolymers of PLA/PGA which can be tailored to meet mechanical performance and resorption rates required for applications ranging from non-structural drug delivery applications to resorbable screws or anchors.
Pharmaceutical Polymers – these include polymers such as polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), polyethylene oxide (PEO) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with applications as versitile as soluble drug delivery film to coatings for increased lubricity.