Balloon Catheter Surface Drug Embedding via Solvent Softening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional balloon catheters and stents often cause vascular wall thickening and subsequent lumen narrowing due to cell proliferation, and existing methods for drug delivery from their surfaces are complex and costly.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a balloon catheter surface softened with a solution of an active substance, using solvents like DMSO or DMF, allowing for improved adhesion and embedding of drugs such as tretinoin or corticosteroids, reducing complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If drug-filled microcapsules are used and attached or embedded to the balloon surface, then drug delivery effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the drug from complex microcapsule structures and applies it directly to the balloon surface in a simplified manner. The drug is applied as a solution or suspension that is then fixed to the surface through a simple coating process, eliminating the need for microcapsule filling and attachment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the drug delivery system into two independent parts: the balloon catheter structure and the drug coating layer. This allows the drug to be applied separately as a thin layer on the surface, rather than integrating it into complex microcapsule structures, thereby simplifying manufacturing.
2Reliability
If conventional coating methods are used to deposit active ingredient on surface, then drug delivery is achieved, but adhesion reliability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical-chemical parameters of the balloon surface by using a solvent that temporarily modifies the surface properties. The solvent creates a wetted state that enhances drug adhesion, and the evaporation process then locks the drug into the surface structure, creating strong bonds without complex manufacturing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a solvent as an intermediary substance that facilitates drug adhesion to the balloon surface. The solvent acts as a mediator between the drug and the surface, enabling the drug to be deposited and bonded to the surface through a simple coating and evaporation process.
3Reliability
If multiple processing steps are used for drug embedding, then drug adhesion is improved, but production time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functions into a single step: the coating process simultaneously deposits the drug, creates adhesion through surface wetting, and enables embedding through solvent evaporation. This combined approach achieves reliable drug adhesion without requiring separate steps for coating, bonding, and embedding.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs preliminary surface preparation by applying the solvent to wet and soften the balloon surface before drug deposition. This preliminary action prepares the surface to receive and hold the drug effectively, and the entire process is completed in a single operational step rather than requiring multiple sequential operations.
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
This method ensures reliable and cost-effective drug adhesion/embedding on the balloon catheter surface, preventing vascular wall thickening and lumen narrowing, while simplifying the drug delivery process.
Implementation Method 1
The process according to the invention utilizes the principle of solvent welding. Compared to simply depositing the active ingredient on the surface, the process according to the invention results in improved adhesion of the active ingredient to or within the surface.
Implementation Method 2
the surface of the balloon is softened and wetted with a solution of an active ingredient
Implementation Method 3
An active ingredient dissolved in a solvent is applied to the surface of the endoprosthesis or the balloon of the balloon catheter, after which the solvent evaporates. The active ingredient then remains as a layer on the surface.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
A method for producing a bioactive surface on an endoprosthesis, or on the balloon (3) of a balloon catheter (1) is described, wherein the surface (15) of the endoprosthesis, or the surface (4) of the balloon (3) is softened. The surface (15) of the endoprosthesis, or the surface (4) of the balloon (3) is moistened with a solution (6) of an active ingredient (7), and the solvent (8) is separated from the active ingredient (7). In addition, a balloon (3) of a balloon catheter (1) is disclosed, which comprises an uncoated surface (4), wherein an unencapsulated active ingredient (7) is embedded at least partially into the material of the surface (4). Furthermore, a balloon catheter (1) is described, which comprises a balloon (3) according to the invention. In addition, an endoprosthesis, particularly a polymer stent is described, which comprises an uncoated surface (15), wherein an active ingredient (7) is embedded at least partially into the material of the surface (15).