Originally Published EMDM September 2002
PRODUCT UPDATE
SurModics Inc.Many materials used to fabricate medical devices are not inherently compatible with blood and its components. By adding a thin-film coating to the surface, manufacturers can ensure the functionality of a device. SurModics Inc. (Eden Prairie, MN, USA) offers both heparin-based coatings and synthetic, nonbiological coatings to improve the blood compatibility of medical device surfaces. The company's Photolink photochemical coupling methods bind the coatings to the device surface.
"The chemical and physical properties of the immobilized coating reduce the likelihood for blood clots to adhere and activate, thus reducing the formation of thrombi or emboli," says Amy Novak, director of haemocompatibility for SurModics. "The coating bound to the surface serves to shield the blood from the underlying medical device material, such that the blood components only 'see' the coated surface and respond accordingly," Novak adds.
SurModics's coatings can be offered in combination with other surface features and can be easily integrated with existing manufacturing processes.
Copyright ©2002 European Medical Device Manufacturer
