Intracoronary application of TiO₂-coated cardiovascular stents

Intravascular stenting of atherosclerotic coronary arteries is a life-saving, widely-used procedure in interventional cardiology. Adverse clinical outcomes such as restenosis highlight the importance of meeting the excellent biocompatibility by cardiovascular implants. In this chapter, a newly developed photoactive titania-based nanomaterial has been described for cardiovascular stent coating. The biocompatibility of these nanotitania based-coatings has been compared with that of 316L stainless steel surfaces typically used in commercial coronary stents. Titania-based stent coatings were tested in vivo for the safety of use and compatibility with the artery wall tissues and blood components. Titania-coated stents have shown the non-inferiority status with respect to bare metal 316 L stainless steel control stents. In vitro data showed relatively less fibrinogen on titania coatings indicating better haemocompatibility and lower thrombogenecity in comparison to 316 L. Titania coatings generally possess higher surface potential (SP) and better bio- and haemocompatibility and make such coatings promising candidates in cardiovascular graft applications.