by Anthony Holmes-Walker (BioInteractions Ltd, UK)

Dr Holmes-Walker is currently Chairman of BioInteractions Ltd., a small company based in Reading, England, whose business is in the development of biocompatible coatings for medical devices. Its innovative skills were recognised in 2002, by the grant of the Queen's Award for Enterprise. Holmes-Walker started as an organic chemist at Queen's University, Belfast, and became interested in polymers at Imperial Chemical Industries Ltd., and The Metal Box Co Ltd., latterly as Head of Plastics R&D. This was followed by the appointments as Professor, and Head of Department of Polymer Science & Technology at Brunel University. After his stint at Brunel University, his career was divided between academia (at the City University, London, and Reading University) and commerce (CEO of two major trade associations, one in Brussels). In addition to his work with BioInteractions Ltd., Holmes-Walker has recently been concerned with the commercial exploitation of innovation, and the provision of training programmes for CEOs.

This book enables readers without specialist knowledge to understand the ways in which materials can be used to enhance people's lives. The range is vast — from simple contact uses, through artificial limbs, to permanently implanted devices.

To appreciate the medical applications of materials, it is necessary to understand why they are used. Therefore, a discussion on the nature and behaviour of materials is preceded by a survey of the evolution of modern surgical techniques. The effect of “foreign” materials on the body's immune system is then considered, followed by a study of specific uses of materials, including extra-corporeal machines and implanted devices.

The last chapter deals with new and highly sophisticated techniques — including minimal access surgery, robotics, nanotechnology, natural polymers, and the growth of “artificial” organs — and concludes with a look at the future.

• Surgical Techniques
• Material Properties
• Materials in a Hostile Environment
• Contact Applications
• Short Term Contact Devices
• Medium Term Implants
• Permanent Implants
• Load-Bearing Implants
• The Tools of the Surgeon
• Meeting New Challenges