In today's demanding operating room environment surgery requires a number of different functional fabrics based on the type of procedure and the duration. There is a range of fabrics and materials currently used from all polymer film to stand alone nonwoven fabrics to combinations of films and fabrics or composites. Given the current population infected with HIV and HBV, highly fluid intensive surgical procedures that last a few hours require a higher level of barrier protection and comfort in surgical gowns and drapes. The focus will be on high barrier breathable composite fabrics for single use surgical gowns and drapes. The composition of breathable composities, how they are tested, some of the current technologies on the market and future potential will be reviewed. Breathable composites for surgical gowns and drapes can consist of many different constructions. The types we will be discussing are typically two or more layers consisting of a breathable film for barrier and various nonwoven fabrics for strength and durability. See fig. 1 for an example of a composite construction. Breathable composities are used where a high level of barrier is needed or where additional reinforcement is needed. First the main components will be reviewed and then potential constructions.
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