Surgical stents are
complicated, coated metal, mesh-like flexible tubular devices for improving
blood flow in arteries by reducing plaque blockage (restinosis). As foreign
bodies, stents themselves are anchor sites where plaque build-up can occur.
Hence, these devices are coated with proprietary polymers containing powerful
slow releasing anti-clogging chemicals.
The overall dimensions of these stents is under 3 mm. by 30 mm, based on a flexible laser cast stainless steel or a nickel-titanium alloy structure. They are coated with a permanently bonded polymer that releases an anti restinosis drug at a pre-determined rate.
All of these components must
work together for prolonged service. The fabrication processes are exquisitely
demanding in terms of evenness and smoothness. Many types of scientists and
engineers have contributed to stent technology, which is still a vigorous
effort.
Stents are continuously
evolving, with new advances being constantly introduced. In upcoming blog
posts, we will ask Dr. Tocker to comment on new technologies and possible
trends in stent litigation.
Dr. Stanley Tocker is a chemist specializing in controlled release and
stent technologies. He is a Vice President and Project Manager for The CECON
Group. For more information, click here.
