Balloon Catheter Coating Adhesion via Polysaccharide Mediator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing balloon catheter coatings face challenges with active agent adherence and long-term effectiveness, as significant amounts of the active agent are carried away by the blood stream, leading to quick reduction in drug release after the procedure.
Innovation Solution
A method involving partial wetting of the balloon surface with a first solution of an active agent, followed by a liquid containing water and/or alcohol, and then a polysaccharide solution, which enhances adherence and prolonged release of the active agent by creating a hydrophilic, adhesive-like coating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the balloon surface is coated with active agent using conventional methods, then the active agent can be applied to the vessel wall, but significant amounts of the active agent are carried away by the blood stream and release diminishes quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (polysaccharide or protein coating) between the active agent and the blood stream. This intermediary layer acts as a barrier that prevents the active agent from being carried away by the blood stream while allowing controlled release to the vessel wall, thereby improving both adherence and duration of action.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite coating system consisting of multiple layers: the active agent layer and an intermediary polysaccharide or protein layer. This composite structure combines the properties of different materials to achieve both good adherence to the vessel wall and resistance to blood stream removal, extending the duration of active agent release.
2Reliability
If microcapsules are used to fill and attach active agent to the balloon surface, then adherence is improved, but the process becomes sophisticated and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex microcapsule formation and attachment processes from the coating method. Instead of using sophisticated microcapsules that require complex filling and attachment procedures, the invention uses a simpler direct coating approach with polysaccharide or protein solutions that can be applied more straightforwardly, reducing process complexity while maintaining adherence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive and complex microcapsules with simpler, more economical polysaccharide or protein coatings. These alternative materials can be applied using less sophisticated processes, reducing both the complexity and cost of the coating procedure while achieving sufficient adherence for therapeutic effect.
3Productivity
If a brittle, chalk-like surface is created through treatment with first solution, then release of active agent is improved, but the coating is not sufficiently adhesive to prevent carryaway by blood stream
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite coating structure where a brittle, chalk-like surface layer (providing good release) is combined with an intermediary polysaccharide or protein layer (providing adherence). This composite structure allows the coating to simultaneously achieve both improved release properties and sufficient adhesion to prevent carryaway by the blood stream.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different properties to different parts of the coating structure: the outer surface is made brittle and chalk-like for good release, while the inner layer uses polysaccharide or protein for adherence. This local differentiation of material properties allows the coating to fulfill both release and adherence functions simultaneously.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The polysaccharide coating significantly improves the active agent's adherence to the vessel wall, maintaining effective concentrations for several weeks, with significant drug presence detected even 48 hours post-treatment, and allows for homogenous and long-lasting drug delivery.
Implementation Method 1
the active agent is present in the form of a layer on the surface and can be applied while balloon dilatation takes place
Implementation Method 2
adherence of the active agent on the balloon has turned out to be problematic
Implementation Method 3
the surface of the balloon is wetted at least partially with a first solution of an active agent
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for coating the balloon of a balloon catheter, wherein the surface of the balloon is at least partially wetted with a first solution of an active ingredient, the part of the surface of the balloon wetted with the first solution of the active ingredient is wetted with a liquid containing water and/or at least one alcohol, and the part of the surface of the balloon wetted with the first solution and the liquid containing water and/or at least one alcohol is wetted with an additional solution that contains a polysaccharide. In this way, the balloon is provided with an active ingredient layer, which during the balloon dilatation is effectively applied to the vessel inner wall due to the embrittlement of the surface and cases a slowed, long lasting release of the active ingredient.