With a rising population and the increasing range of textiles for medical products, the need to understand and improve medical textiles is gaining in importance. The Handbook of medical textiles provides an overview of the different types of medical textiles currently available as well as specific information on more specialised topics and applications.
In part one, the types and properties of medical textiles are discussed, with chapters covering topics including reusable textiles, textiles for implants and textiles with cosmetic effects. Part two focuses on the interaction of textiles with the skin, examining key issues such as contact sensations, allergies and mechanical irritation. Chapters in part three provide information on the latest developments in textiles for hygiene and infection control, while part four provides a range of applications and case studies, including improvements in medical occupational clothing, medical filters and superabsorbent fibres.
With its expert editor and contributions from some of the world's leading authorities, the Handbook of medical textiles is a standard reference for designers and manufacturers of medical textile products, as well as for biomaterials scientists and medical professionals.

• Explores the different types of medical textiles currently available as well as specific information on more specialised areas and applications
• Chapters cover topics such as reusable textiles, textiles for implants and interaction of textiles with the skin
• Is a standard reference for designers and manufacturers of medical textile products, as well as for biomaterials scientists and medical professionals

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Woodhead Publishing Series in Textiles
Preface
Part I: Types and properties of medical textiles
Chapter 1: Modern textiles and biomaterials for healthcare
Abstract:
1.1 Introduction
1.2 The role of textile structures and biomaterials in healthcare
1.3 Types of textiles and biomaterials for medical applications
1.4 Key properties of medical textile products
1.5 Contacting behaviour and transmission phenomenon of medical-based textiles
1.6 Engineering stability and compactness in medical textile systems
1.7 Advanced examples of research and product development
1.8 Future of medical textiles and products
1.9 Sources of further information and advice
1.10 Acknowledgement
Chapter 2: Hi-tech textiles for interactive wound therapies
Abstract:
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Wounds
2.3 Wound dressings
2.4 Venous leg ulcers and their treatment
2.5 Wound dressing structures
2.6 Conclusions
Chapter 3: Reusable medical textiles
Abstract:
3.1 Introduction
3.2 The role of reusable medical textiles: a historical perspective
3.3 Advantages of reusable textiles
3.4 Types of reusable textiles used for medical applications
3.5 Processing procedures
3.6 Healthcare costs
3.7 Future trends
3.8 Conclusions
Chapter 4: Nonwoven materials and technologies for medical applications
Abstract:
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Key issues of nonwovens
4.3 Main types of nonwovens and technologies for medical applications
4.4 Strengths and limitations of nonwoven materials (NMs) for medical applications
4.5 Applications of nonwovens in medicine
4.6 Future trends
4.7 Sources of further information and advice
Chapter 5: Textiles for implants and regenerative medicine
Abstract:
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Textiles as implants
5.3 Textiles for regenerative medicine
5.4 Testing of implants and materials for regenerative medicine
5.5 Sources for further information
Chapter 6: Textiles with cosmetic effects
Abstract:
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Application and release technologies
6.3 Functionalities of cosmetotextiles and performance testing
6.4 Safety evaluation and other regulatory aspects
6.5 Future trends
Chapter 7: Drug-releasing textiles
Abstract:
7.1 Introduction
7.2 Classification of drug-releasing textiles
7.3 Fabrication and characterization
7.4 Applications of drug-releasing textiles
7.5 Conclusions
7.6 Future trends
7.7 Acknowledgments
Chapter 8: Medical textiles and thermal comfort
Abstract:
8.1 Fundamentals of thermal comfort
8.2 Healthcare workers and patients in the hospital environment
8.3 Thermal comfort of medical textiles: surgical gowns
8.4 Evaluation and testing of thermal properties for medical textiles
8.5 Future trends
Part II: Textiles and the skin
Chapter 9: Contact sensations of medical textiles on the skin
Abstract:
9.1 Introduction
9.2 Skin contact sensations
9.3 Textile properties influencing skin contact sensations
9.4 Examples of applications
9.5 Future trends
9.6 Conclusions
9.7 Sources of further information
9.8 Acknowledgment
Chapter 10: Mechanical skin irritations due to textiles
Abstract:
10.1 Introduction
10.2 Human skin
10.3 Skin irritation
10.4 Skin responses to mechanical forces
10.5 Measurement of irritating mechanical factors
10.6 Factors causing a textile to be mechanically irritating
Chapter 11: Allergies caused by textiles
Abstract:
11.1 Introduction
11.2 Types of allergies
11.3 Main types of allergies caused by textiles
11.4 Ways to minimise and avoid allergies caused by textiles
11.5 Testing for allergy-causing substances
11.6 Medical textile applications
11.7 Sources of further information and advice
Chapter 12: Biofunctional textiles based on cellulose and their approaches for therapy and prevention of atopic eczema
Abstract:
12.1 Introduction
12.2 The role of microbial infections in atopic dermatitis
12.3 Skin barrier function and increased sensitivity to irritants
12.4 Lyocell fibres for antimicrobial therapy
12.5 SeaCell® textiles for antimicrobial therapy
12.