Nanomaterials for Medical Implants

Nanotechnology has spread worldwide because of its wide applications, in particular with its novel and unique properties. Various kinds of nanomaterials have been investigated as their properties are mainly dependent on the size, shape, and composition of the materials, widely applied in the biomedical field. Various biomedical devices like dental implants made of Ti, Mg, Co, etc. surgically placed in the jawbone where the teeth are absent. The hip joint implant is carried out by surgical procedures through a replacement of a prosthetic implant. Cardiovascular implants include pacemakers of artificial heart valves or prosthetic implants, stents implanted inside the body etc. Furthermore, in this chapter, we will discuss more on the general consideration of using nanomaterials in implantable devices, dental implants/prosthodontics, spinal, orthopaedic implants, hip and knee replacements, cardiovascular implants and others—phakic intraocular lens and cosmetic implants.