Biodegradable Metals for Cardiovascular Stent Application: Interests and New Opportunities

International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Maryam Moravej¹ 

[1] Laboratory for Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Department of Mining, Metallurgy and Materials Engineering & University Hospital Research Center, Laval University, Québec City, G1V 0A6, Que., Canada; E-Mail

关键词: coronary stents;    biodegradable stents;    metallurgical processes;    electroforming;   

DOI  :  10.3390/ijms12074250

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

During the last decade, biodegradable metallic stents have been developed and investigated as alternatives for the currently-used permanent cardiovascular stents. Degradable metallic materials could potentially replace corrosion-resistant metals currently used for stent application as it has been shown that the role of stenting is temporary and limited to a period of 6–12 months after implantation during which arterial remodeling and healing occur. Although corrosion is generally considered as a failure in metallurgy, the corrodibility of certain metals can be an advantage for their application as degradable implants. The candidate materials for such application should have mechanical properties ideally close to those of 316L stainless steel which is the gold standard material for stent application in order to provide mechanical support to diseased arteries. Non-toxicity of the metal itself and its degradation products is another requirement as the material is absorbed by blood and cells. Based on the mentioned requirements, iron-based and magnesium-based alloys have been the investigated candidates for biodegradable stents. This article reviews the recent developments in the design and evaluation of metallic materials for biodegradable stents. It also introduces the new metallurgical processes which could be applied for the production of metallic biodegradable stents and their effect on the properties of the produced metals.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2011 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.