Synthetic Degradable Polymers

Question 1

Implant applications of synthetic degradable polymers

Answer 1

Temporary
Does not need to be surgically removed
Regrades over time

Question 2

Advantages of Synthetic Degradable Polymers

Answer 2

Surgical removal is not required
No long term immune response or chronic inflammation in comparison to permanent implants

Question 3

Potential Disadvantages of synthetic degradable polymers

Answer 3

Toxicity of degradation products
Premature degradation resulting in implant failure

Question 4

Definition of degradation

Answer 4

Chemical process resulting in cleavage of covalent bonds

Question 5

Processes of degradation

Answer 5

Hydrolysis (most common)
Oxidative
Photodegradation
Enzymatic

Question 6

Definition of Erosion

Answer 6

Physical changes in size, shape, or mass of a device

Question 7

Processes of Erosion

Answer 7

Degradation
Dissolution
Ablation
Mechanical wear

Question 8

How are degradation and erosion related?

Answer 8

Degradation and erosion are independent of each other
Erosion can be caused by degradation but erosion cannot cannot cause degradation