Lubricating Coating Composition for Durable Medical Device Sliding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices face a trade-off between lubricating property and durability, particularly in miniaturized devices used in complex procedures, necessitating improved sliding durability and lubrication retention.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a coating liquid composed of a block copolymer with epoxy groups and a polymer material like polyvinyl chloride, applied to a base layer, promotes crosslinking through ring-opening reactions, enhancing film strength and durability of the surface lubricating layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hydrophilic polymer is coated on the base layer surface to provide lubricating properties, then the lubricating property is improved, but the coating suffers from elution and peeling, reducing durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a hydrophilic polymer (providing lubricating property) with a polymer material having electron-withdrawing property (providing durability through crosslinking). This composite coating structure allows both lubricating property and durability to coexist, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the medical device is miniaturized and diameter is reduced to access narrow body lumens, then adaptability is improved, but sliding durability and lubrication retention are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The composite coating structure combines the lubricating hydrophilic polymer with the electron-withdrawing polymer material that forms a crosslinked network. This provides enhanced durability and lubrication retention even in miniaturized devices subjected to repeated sliding in narrow body lumens, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the operation time is extended for complicated medical procedures, then adaptability is improved, but the lubricating property deteriorates due to repeated sliding
Solution Approach 1:
The crosslinked coating structure provides continuous and sustained lubricating action throughout extended operation periods. The electron-withdrawing polymer material forms a stable crosslinked network that prevents elution and maintains lubricating property even after repeated sliding during complicated procedures, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and ease of operation.
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 results in a medical device with enhanced sliding durability and lubricating properties, maintaining operability even in narrow and flexible body lumens, such as blood vessels, by forming a strong and durable surface lubricating layer.
Implementation Method 1
combining a polymer material having an electron-withdrawing property with a hydrophilic block copolymer having an epoxy group... the block copolymer and the polymer material are interpenetrated with each other
Data Source
AI summary
A method for manufacturing a medical device including a base layer and a surface lubricating layer supported on at least a part of the base layer includes preparing a coating liquid including i) a block copolymer having a structural unit (A) derived from a reactive monomer having an epoxy group and a structural unit (B) derived from a hydrophilic monomer, ii) at least one polymer material selected from polyvinyl chloride and polyurethane, and iii) a solvent, and applying the coating liquid onto the base layer.