Fluoropolymers in Medical Applications: Recent Progress and Development

This article aims to present a comprehensive review of the medical applications of fluoropolymers from 2019 to October of 2024. Out of 532 articles, 291 were found to be relevant or imminently relevant to medical applications. The topics of use ranged from drug delivery, implants, sensors, and wound care, with 16 specific application categories noted. All fluorinated polymers were considered, from partially to fully fluorinated. A notable majority were comprised of poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) or poly(vinylidene difluoride) (PVDF), leaving much room for additional research in these corresponding fields. The tension between the persistence of fluorinated materials in the environment versus longevity of the material in a medical device requires the need for education and understanding of the applications of fluoropolymers for human health. Fluoropolymers are vital to providing effective medical treatment for patients, especially in the format of long-term interventions.