Collapse pressures of biodegradable stents.
Biodegradable stent prototypes were produced from poly L-lactic acid polymers with different molecular weights. The effects of molecular weight, drug incorporation and stent design on the collapse pressure of the stents were evaluated. While molecular weights did not show a significant effect on the collapse pressure of the stents, drug incorporation at high percentage decreased the collapse pressure of the stents substantially. Cryogenic fracture surfaces showed significant drug agglomeration as the concentration increased. The design of the stent was also found to a have significant effect on the collapse pressure. The stent produced from the same material has a higher collapse pressure when the load bearing surface area is increased.
Venkatraman
Subbu
S
School of Materials Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, N4.1-1-30 Nanyang Avenue, 639798, Singapore, Singapore. assubbu@ntu.edu.sg
Poh
Tan Lay
TL
Vinalia
Tjong
T
Mak
Koon Hou
KH
Boey
Freddy
F
D020341:Absorbable Implants; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis; D002309:Cardiology / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000737:chemistry; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry; D011312:Pressure; D015607:Stents; D013718:Tensile Strength; D013806:Theophylline / Q000737:chemistry; D013997:Time Factors
D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers; D019344:Lactic Acid; C033616:poly(lactide); D013806:Theophylline