Thesis

Optimising drug release from coronary stents : a role for conducting polymers?

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Awarding institution
  • University of Strathclyde
Date of award
  • 2012
Thesis identifier
  • T13252
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Abstract
  • Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. It is characterised by the narrowing of the coronary vessels by atherosclerotic plaque formation. The two main approaches to treat CAD are by bypass grafting and Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI). Currently the most widely used approach for PCI involves the use of drug-eluting stents (DES). Despite their demonstrated efficacy, these DESs have still been prone to suffer from cases of restenosis, have a risk of thrombosis formation and are not suitable for all patient types. Their main weaknesses stem from polymer coatings that are believed to be pro-inflammatory and the elution of drugs which may inhibit the natural healing process. The use of Conducting Polymer coatings for stents have been suggested because of their biocompatible surfaces and ability to elute a range of drugs. The current study produced a series of polypyrrole conducting polymer coatings on stainless steel wires and bare metal stents using Electropolymerisation. The coating properties and 30 day drug release profiles were then assessed. The Pyrrole and Salicylate concentrations used in the electropolymerisation solution were varied to observe their effect on coating properties and drug release profile. The results showed that the electropolymerisation method selected could successfully produce coatings on the stainless steel wires and bare metal stents. These coatings were shown to be able to elute Salicylate drug over a 30 day period. The data demonstrated that both Pyrrole and Salicylate were needed for coating formation and that the ratio of these two components affected the coating properties. Some issues noted with the coatings included their fragility, large thicknesses and variable release profiles. In conclusion, it was found that conducting polymer coatings may be a viable option for producing drug-eluting stents but further investigation is necessary to determine the experimental conditions required to produce the coating with optimal surface and drug release properties.
Resource Type
DOI
Date Created
  • 2012
Former identifier
  • 948102

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