15 - Application of knitted fabrics in medical textiles

Abstract

Medical textiles are a growing technical textile sector. Knitted fabrics have many advantages over woven and nonwoven fabrics mainly being able to produce complex structures, simulate human organs, and being conformable to the body. The properties of weft- and warp-knitted structures are critically articulated in the context of medical textile applications. Specific properties of fiber types—biopolymers and nanofibers used for medical textiles—are reviewed. 3D illustrations of knitted structures are provided to enable the reader to understand complex knitted structures. Various examples of medical textile applications have been highlighted, and six different medical textiles (ankle braces, compression stockings, vascular implants, hernia mesh, wound dressings, and 3D spacer fabrics) have been identified for further discussion. The systematic review provides a critical discussion on the current practice and research developments with a specific focus on knitted structures, finishes, and methods used in the designing of devices, and finally, the future trends were highlighted.