Next time you go to the doctor, take a look around and observe how many instruments, tools and supplies are made of plastic. It may surprise you.
Plastics are an integral part of the medical industry. Here are a few of the more recent advances made possible by plastics:
Plastic Heart: Plastic tubes act like heart valves to let blood in and out of two plastic ventricles in an artificial heart that helps extend the lives of patients waiting for transplants. Talk about a lifesaver!
Vaccination Patches: A plastic skin patch that could replace many painful injections may soon be on the market. The patch contains plastic “micro-needles” that dissolve into the skin, for a pain-free delivery. No more tears!
Bacteria-Resistant Plastics: These plastics have “nonstick” surfaces that bacteria aren’t attracted to, which could help prevent contamination. The plastics could be used to make catheters or medical equipment to help fight off preventable disease.
Self-healing Prosthetics: Imagine a plastic skin that mimics the flexibility and sensitivity of human skin! The hope is that the self-healing plastic may be used to manufacture life-like prosthetic limbs that heal themselves after injury.
In short, plastics used in the medical field are making our lives safer, healthier and less painful. The sky’s the limit when it comes to technology. Who knows what inventions are possible through the wonders of plastic!