The "Elasticity Advantage" in High-Stakes Surgery
Despite the rise of synthetic alternatives, natural rubber latex (NRL) remains the preferred material for complex, high-dexterity surgeries like neurosurgery and micro-vascular repair. In 2026, surgical-grade latex is prized for its elongation values, which typically exceed 700%.
This document explains the physics of the "Low Modulus" property unique to latex: the material requires very little force to stretch, reducing hand fatigue during procedures that can last 8–12 hours. While nitrile provides better chemical resistance, its "memory" (the tendency to snap back) can cause hand cramping, a factor that keeps latex at a 40% volume share in major surgical theaters.
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