Qvanteq AG has developed a surface modification – not a coating – that renders titanium alloy-based implants antithrombogenic. Extensive studies have shown that the modified surface suppresses the activation of proteins of the blood coagulation cascade.
The technology can be extended from titanium alloys to virtually any material used in medical devices and is therefore suitable for any medical implant, in particular vascular implants such as stents, coils, heart valves, structural heart devices (such as occluders) as well as blood pumps with fast moving parts.
Background: it is well known that many materials used for implants are highly thrombogenic. This is particularly true for titanium alloys. While this is a feature for some devices such as bone implants it is an undesired effect in other applications such as vascular implants or the like.
Thrombogenic materials used in medical devices can directly activate the blood coagulation cascade and thus initiating thrombus formation. In order to improve such surface properties, various types of coatings have been / are used in implants such as vascular stents. However, while coatings work well in some applications, there are challenges associated with it in others.
You want to learn how this technology can improve your implant? Please contact the company.