Hydrogen or Silicone-Based Sealants Are Emerging Trends in Biomedical Sealant

 


A biomedical sealant is an in-plant surgical equipment usually used during open heart surgery. It is a thick preformed rigid polymer tape that is applied over a surgical site to augment surgical staples and sutures to prevent air and fluid leaks. It is useful in protecting the heart from the effects of extended open heart surgery or from damage due to incorrect open heart surgery techniques. It also helps in maintaining the healing process of the patient's damaged heart muscle after the procedure. Surgical seals provide a minimal amount of pain relief during and after the procedure, thus allowing patients to recover comfortably and fast.

Biomedical sealants can either be hydrogen or silicone-based. The type of sealing agent will depend on factors such as the type of procedure, the patient's anatomy, the depth of the incision and surgical wound closure. These types of materials differ in chemical composition and density and therefore are suited for different uses.

An all-natural, high-quality sealant product from bovine adhesive is a good option if you want to avoid irritations to your skin while adhering to your wound's natural properties. This bovine adhesive provides high levels of adhesion, texture and flexibility. It provides excellent resistance to ozone and UV exposure, which makes it suitable to seal skin in recovery and maintenance rooms. In addition, bovine adhesives have no effect on the functionality of antibiotics.

A wide range of surgical sealants are available today, including some with a silicone threading base, and some are made of an advanced material called Thermoplastics. For instance, in December 2019, Ethicon, part of the Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices Companies, launched VISTASEAL Fibrin Sealant (Human) to help surgeons manage bleeding during surgery. The most convenient and widely used adhesive varieties are the in-process and modified oil seals. Processed oil sealants contain adhesive amides and polyols, whereas modified oil sealants include the thermoplastic gum. Both process and modified oils are easily absorbed by the patient's skin, and both have excellent chemical and physical properties.

Biomedical sealants come in various compositions, ranging from low-density (thickness) emulsions, to ultra-low-density (thickness). Thinner versions are also available as 'gummy' variety and are ideal for use in surgical vaults. Some sealants, including low-density liposome, also have the property to form adhesives and adhere to a wound's natural structure better than ordinary sealants. Moreover, these gum like versions can be applied and removed more quickly than gummy versions. Some sealants, including Phosphate Salicylate Surfactant, have other clinical applications as well and are used in conjunction with standard wound closure techniques such as gauze, tissue paper and bandages.

Whether or not a surgical adhesive is required depends upon the type of procedure undertaken. It can either prevent the absorption of contaminated fluids or reduce pain and blood loss during procedures involving local or superficial bleeding, for example. In cases where incisions are required to close the wound or to remove a foreign body, the adhesive can also facilitate wound closure. It can even be used to stop bleeding and help protect tissues from foreign particles that could cause contamination of the site. Whatever its exact role, a good surgical adhesive will be instrumental in helping surgeons and their patient achieve an outstanding result.

Lack of proper reimbursement policies is expected to limit adoption of biomedical sealants. Various medical and dental treatments such as implants and periodontal surgeries still lack proper reimbursement in developed nations such as the U.S., France, Germany, the U.K., Spain, Italy, Japan and Australia. However several M&A activities are expected to aid growth of the market for biomedical sealants. For instance, in January 2019, Advanced Medical Solutions Group plc acquired Sealantis, an Israel-based medical device company with a patent-protected internal sealant technology platform.

 

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