A nontoxic additive to introduce x-ray contrast into poly(lactic acid). Implications for transient medical implants such as bioresorbable coronary vascular scaffolds.
Bioresorbable coronary vascular scaffolds are about to revolutionize the landscape of interventional cardiology. These scaffolds, consisting of a poly(L-lactic acid) interior and a poly(D,L-lactic acid) surface coating, offer a genuine alternative for metallic coronary stents. Perhaps the only remaining drawback is that monitoring during implantation is limited to two X-ray contrast points. Here, a new approach to make the biodegradable scaffolds entirely radiopaque is explored. A new contrast agent is designed and synthesized. This compound is miscible with poly(D,L-lactic acid) matrix, and nontoxic to multiple cell types. Blends of poly(D,L-lactic acid) and the contrast agent are found to be hemocompatible, noncytotoxic, and radiopaque. The data show that it is possible to manufacture fully radiopaque bioresorbable coronary vascular scaffolds. Whole-stent X-ray visibility helps interventionalists ensure that the scaffold deploys completely. This important advantage may translate into improved safety, accuracy, and clinical performance of cardiac stents.
Faculty of Health, Medicine & Life Sciences, Department of Biomedical Engineering/Biomaterials Science, Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Yujing
Y
Wang
Nynke M S
NM
van den Akker
Daniël G M
DG
Molin
Mick
M
Gagliardi
Cees
C
van der Marel
Martin
M
Lutz
Menno L W
ML
Knetsch
Leo H
LH
Koole
D020341:Absorbable Implants; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D006801:Humans; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000737:chemistry*; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D015607:Stents
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers; D019344:Lactic Acid; C033616:poly(lactide)
biocompatibility; homogeneous blends; radiopacity; resorbable biomaterials; stents