Polymeric Materials And Coronary Angioplasty Devices

Conclusion

PTCA remains a critical treatment in coronary artery disease. The procedure is multifaceted and polymers play a critical role in most components of the procedure: The first inserted guide wire is coated with lubricious polymers such as fluoropolymers, the guide catheter is basically a three-layer polymer composite consisting often of a PTFE inner lumen, a metal or liquid crystal polymer middle layer wire mesh, and the outer layer consisting of stiffer polymers like high melting polyamides on the proximal end and lower modulus polymers like thermoplastic elastomers on the distal end (poly ether-block-amides, for example). Metal stents may one day be replaced with polymers and inorganic materials that can be 3D printed and exhibit shape memory to tailor the exact dimensions before and after expansion for patient-centric improved efficacy. Electronic-enabled bioresorbable polymers that can be left in place, provide extended blood flow over current standards, and degrade and excrete with no adverse events for the patient are making progress in many R&D labs around the world.