Polymer Blends for Biodegradable Stents

Abstract

The latest technological advancement has led to the led to the formation of bio-resorbable stent technology. This stent technology has been investigated to provide short-term support along with drug eluting ability until the polymer degrades and thus, avoiding the limitations imposed by permanent stents. With the use of PLA in bio-absorbable drug eluting stents in many commercial medical implant resulted in various limitations that prevented this stent technology from being a success.

This study focuses on countering the issues by PLA stents by polymer blending with an EVA co polymer. PLA/ EVA blends are synthesized with Aspirin as the drug and their performance is investigated by and analyzed in order to justify its use as a material for the current stent technology. EVA’s effect on the mechanical properties of PLA stent material is analyzed using a UTS machine. TGA analysis is carried out to understand the thermal stability of the blends produced. Biodegradation rates are of the PLA-EVA blends are studied by carrying out a weight loss test. Surface morphology of the blends is done using SEM and the samples are subjected to a FTIR analysis to determine the bonds formed post blending. On the basis of the mentioned characterizations and optimum blend composition is chosen which can justify as a starting material for stent design or coatings. Expanded use and further clinical investigation will increase awareness of whether claims of superiority of the polymer blend material in the present study are interesting to explore.