Advancement and applications of implantable medical textiles

The implantable medical textiles category is a new horizon in the landscape of medical textiles. However, the manufacture of these products demands a complex and innovative technological approach combining conventional textile manufacturing technologies such as weaving, knitting and braiding with technologies originating from the electronic sphere, such as coating, lithography and inkjet printing. Thus, the functionalisation of textiles may be processed at different levels, ie from fibres to fabric, or even readymade clothing. Understanding the drivers, state-of-the-art elements and tendencies of implantable medical textiles ensures further efficient development technology and its interaction with manufacturers and consumers. This paper explores and systematically describes the applications of implantable medical textiles for healthcare with sensing and actuating functions and introduces the main principles of technology for implantable medical textiles. © 2019 World Textile Information Network. All rights reserved.