Balloon Surface Coating for Stent Retention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing balloon catheter systems face challenges with coating adhesion and stability due to fine surface structures and the use of solvent systems that are easily dissolved, leading to coating delamination and abrasion during stent expansion.
Innovation Solution
A method is developed to create a balloon surface coating using a solvent and polymer solution, specifically trifluoroacetic acid and polyether block amide, which forms a rough, nonwoven-like structure with high adhesion and mechanical protection, enhancing friction and retention force for stent and drug coatings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a fine membrane structure is used for the balloon, then the balloon can be manufactured with high precision, but the adhesion of coating to the balloon surface is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a dual-structure balloon surface: the base membrane maintains its fine, precise structure for manufacturing requirements, while a separate surface layer is applied to provide enhanced adhesion properties. This allows different regions of the balloon surface to have different functional characteristics - the bulk membrane provides precision and flexibility, while the surface layer provides coating adhesion.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional thermal curing is used for printed circuit board materials, then the coating achieves sufficient stability, but the process conditions are difficult to implement on balloon surfaces due to thermal instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal curing mechanism (heat-based) with a mechanical/physical drying process. Instead of using high temperatures to cure the coating, the invention allows the solvent to evaporate at ambient or low temperatures, forming a stable coating through physical drying rather than thermal chemical reactions. This substitution makes the process compatible with the thermal sensitivity of balloon materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the curing parameter from high temperature (conventional PCB curing) to low temperature or ambient temperature (balloon-compatible drying). By adjusting the temperature parameter and allowing sufficient drying time, the coating achieves stability without requiring the high thermal conditions that would damage the balloon material.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If mild solvent systems are used for printing inks and conductive tracks, then safety is improved, but the solvents easily dissolve the polymer system requiring additional chemical curing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by first applying the polymer coating and allowing it to dry and form a stable base layer before applying the printing inks and conductive tracks. This sequence ensures that the mild solvents in the inks do not come into contact with the polymer in a way that would cause dissolution, as the polymer has already formed a stable structure. The preliminary formation of the polymer layer protects it from the subsequent mild solvent exposure.
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 method achieves improved adhesion and mechanical protection for coatings, preventing delamination and abrasion, and allows for the application of electrically conductive inks without thermal curing, enhancing stent retention force and electrical insulation.
Implementation Method 1
A solution is provided including a solvent and a polymer dissolved therein. The polymer is deposited onto the surface for and forms a surface coating of the polymer, on the surface of the balloon.
Implementation Method 2
A solution is provided including a solvent and a polymer dissolved therein. The polymer is deposited onto the surface for and forms a surface coating of the polymer, on the surface of the balloon.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for producing a balloon for a balloon catheter includes providing the balloon that has an outer surface. A solution including a solvent and a polymer is used to deposit the polymer onto the surface and form a surface coating of the polymer.