[Ionic polymers in medicine]

Basing on literature data, recent developments in the application of synthetic ion-containing polymers in medicine were presented. These compuonds could serve as drugs (e.g. antibacterial or antiheparin agents) and also (e.g. after crosslinking) as endoprostheses or as antithrombogenic coatings. Application of ionenes and cationomeric urethanes, which are studied at presentmost intensively, was described. Mechanism of the influence of ionenes on bacteria and of ionenes or cationic urethanes on heparin was given.