Biotextiles as medical implants: 8. Retrieval studies for medical biotextiles (Woodhead Publishing Series in Textiles)

The biocompatibility, biofunctionality and biostability of a prosthesis, its degradation and the host response are determined through an implant retrieval study. This chapter focuses on various aspects of analyzing retrieved biotextile implants. Sample preparation techniques, analytical test methods and different test standards are reviewed. Some precautions and the limitations of implant retrieval studies are also discussed.