Puncture Resistant Angioplasty Balloons
This coating virtually eliminates the chance of an angioplasty balloon being punctured or damaged during stent delivery and/or post stent dilatation. Also, it increases the coefficient of friction between the stent and the balloon surface and provides excellent stent retention, eliminating movement or slippage during delivery and deployment. This is a critical issue for high pressure balloon stenting procedures, as many previously unsaid concerns about stent slippage are coming to the forefront.
The coating, which can be produced from a variety of polymers depending on the application (polyurethane is typical), is applied to a balloon after a proprietary surface treatment by dipping it into a liquid form of the chosen polymer, followed by oven drying. The drying process also allows for cross-linking of the coating to occur, which helps to strengthen the coating and provide more durability, better bond and increased resistance to solvents and other chemicals.
The company has the capability to produce high pressure angioplasty balloons in a variety of sizes, configurations, lengths and burst pressures (up to 27 atm/400 psi). Wall thicknesses typically range from 5-50 microns (0.0002- 0.002 in.), offering minimal invasiveness and the smallest possible profile. Some of the company's custom capabilities and configurations include unlimited tapered angles, varying diameters and tapered diameters along the length of the balloon. The company recently expanded the available diameters of its balloons as well, with offerings from 0.5mm to 50mm and an increased number of standard sizes between 2-12mm. The company also has patents and patents pending for many unique balloon and catheter designs which are available for license.
Advanced Polymers, Inc., 13 Industrial Way, Salem, NH 03079. Tel: 603-898-8962. Fax: 603-898-8964.