What are different types of stent material?

stents, tubes used in surgery for artificial preventing the narrowing of natural passages in the body, such as arteries, can be made of different materials. Traditionally, the metal was the most popular type of stent material, the most common stainless steel; Other types of metal used for the production of stents include cobalt-chrome, gold and tantalum. Polymers such as silicone and polyurethane are also sometimes used, although they may have problems such as low durability or bioreactivity. While polymers may be more permanent, some others are degraded relatively quickly in the body, which makes them useful for the production of stents that are only needed temporarily or if medication needs to be released into the body. The use of polymers with shape memory to produce stents was also explored. The metal is often used as a stent material due to its strength, flexibility and biocompatibility. Stainless steel is very popular for the production of stents, because it is quite effective costs. It is interesting that it is not ideal of hLediska biocompatibility, because it can often cause restenosis and thrombosis that can reduce blood flow, after implantation into heart patients. Other alternatives have shown a greater promise to reduce the likelihood of a negative physical response to stenting. Gold and cobalt-chrome proved to be effective and biocompatible stent materials, although gold can be quite expensive. Tanatalum and nitinol are also promising, although the first may be somewhat fragile and the second difficult.

Another main type of stent material is polymers. Silicone is well tolerated by the body, but is not ideal when it comes to strength and durability. Polyethylene and polyurethane have the opposite problem. They are quite strong and hold well in the body, but biological materials tend to stick to them and add to them.

polymers that are biodegradable, bioabsorbable or bioerodible can offer certain benefits,If used as a stent material. They can be used when the stent is needed only temporarily and will not have to be removed later. Medicines can be inserted into the material so that they are released over time when the stent degrades. One of the disadvantages of their use is that their surfaces are uneven when they erode, which can lead to the adhesion of biological material.

shape memory polymers are another potential stent material. These substances can be formed in a temporary state and then later switch to a lasting shape by heat or cold. This can help create stents that are ideal for specific locations that are needed.