Liquid Cast Biodegradable Drug Delivering Arterial Stent

NU 2008-176

Inventors

Melina Kibbe

Guillermo Ameer

Short Description

A liquid drug-eluting biodegradable stent

Abstract

Northwestern researchers have developed a novel complement for angioplasty.  Their technology is a liquid drug-eluting biodegradable stent that polymerizes in vivo and molds to the contour of the freshly angioplastied artery.  In addition to serving as a physical stent, its make-up is a biocompatible elastomeric citric acid-based polymer that releases nitric oxide (NO) when placed in the circulation. NO provides several benefits, including the inhibition of platelet aggregation and vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation as well as the stimulation of endothelial cell growth.  NO is also a potent vasodilator.  Through these functions, NO protects the freshly angioplastied artery from thrombosis and promotes vascular healing. This stent may be delivered by a triple balloon infusion/occlusion catheter, a separate invention that was also developed by Dr. Kibbe specifically for this project (NU2008-175).

Applications

• Angioplasty

Advantages

• Custom to the individual artery
• Complete coverage of arterial surface reducing thrombogenic potential
• Increased surface area for drug delivery
• Simple to deliver
• Cost-effective
• Degradable, leaving prosthetic-free artery
• Successful in vivo model

IP Status

Issued US Patent No. 9,801,738

A PCT application has been filed.