BIOLOGIC RESPONSE TO POLYURETHANE FOAM

Abstract

Contribution of useful information for selection, preparation, and use of macromolecular polymers in human surgery as well as intensive study of mobilization, metabolic routes, excretion, storage, and possible toxic effects to the host of long term implants of polyurethane, a popular implant polymer is the basis of this project. Fifty, 100, and 200 gram amounts of powdered Teflon have produced no mortality 488 days following intraperitoneal implants in dogs. Only one dog (50 grams) with similar amounts of powdered polyurethane in the peritoneal cavity has survived longer than 185 days post implant. Reversal of A/G ratio without significant total protein change is present in all survivors. Toxicity studies in rats, mice, and dogs of prepolymer and catalyst necessary for polymerization of polyurethane foams indicate very high dosages are necessary to produce death in these animals. Details of experimental design and results to date of a C14 tracer study of implanted polyurethane are reported. Results indicate an excellent possibility of application of these methods to definitive study of polymer implants in general. Observation for carcinogenic effect of subcutaneous and tibial implants of polyurethane rigid foam reveal no tumors to date (316 days after insertion). (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 31, 1961
Accession Number
AD0265323

Entities

People

  • R.t. Sherman

Organizations

  • University of Tennessee system

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Catalysts
  • Data Science
  • Excretion
  • Experimental Design
  • Information Science
  • Mobilization
  • Observation
  • Polymerization
  • Polymers
  • Polyurethanes
  • Toxicity
  • Tracer Studies

Readers

  • Polymer Science and Engineering.
  • Toxicology/Environmental Toxicology
  • Trauma Surgery or Emergency Medicine.