Modification of Polyvinyl Chloride Composites for Radiographic Detection of Polyvinyl Chloride Retained Surgical...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Medical Device Technology
• Radiology

Background:

• Retained surgical items pose significant patient risks and medical liability.
• Radiofrequency scanning technology is crucial for preventing such incidents.
• Medical-grade polyvinyl chloride (PVC) requires radiopaque agents for X-ray detection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl) as a radiopaque agent in PVC.
• To compare the efficacy and properties of BiOCl against barium sulfate (BaSO4).
• To determine the optimal concentration of BiOCl for medical applications.

Main Methods:

• Rotational rheometry
• Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
• Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA)
• Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS)
• Verification of zero leaching

Main Results:

• BiOCl demonstrated excellent chemical and physical stability in PVC.
• BiOCl exhibited good dispersibility and thermo-mechanical properties.
• Half the quantity of BiOCl provided superior radiopacity compared to BaSO4.
• Zero leaching of BiOCl from the PVC matrix was confirmed.

Conclusions:

• Bismuth oxychloride is a highly suitable and advantageous radiopaque agent for medical PVC.
• BiOCl enhances X-ray visibility effectively and safely.
• This finding supports the development of safer medical devices with improved detection capabilities.