Biomaterials in Urology

CUADRADO T.R.

Biomaterials andProstheses Implant in Urology

Ediciones Medicas SRL (Edimed)

Lugar: Buenos Aires; Año: 2011; p. 5 - 25

Biomaterials have been used in the urinary tract for many centuries and they have evolved from primitive metal tubes to complex coated polymeric materials crafted into various devices to provide drainage or improve the functionality of native urinary tract structures. Common biomaterial-based devices used in the urinary tract include urethral and suprapubic catheters, urethral and ureteral stents, nephrostomy tubes and devices such as urethral and penile implants. In recent years, different raw biomaterials have successfully made the transition from laboratory bench research to widespread use in the clinical realm. In modern urology the prosthetic devices are fabricated from different polymeric biomaterials including latex (polyisoprene), silicone, silicone co-polymers and polyurethanes. Clinical need dictates that biomaterials should resist bacterial colonization and encrustation and retain their functional characteristics for the intented lifetime of the device. Several New approaches such as biodegradable materials and drug eluting technologies and  nano-structured  biomaterials design hold promise in reducing the incidences of infection, encrustation and blockage, and therefore reduction in patient morbidity and mortality.