Corrosion resistance of polyurethane-coated nitinol cardiovascular stents

Corrosion of metal stents implanted inside an artery can have two adverse effects: (1) tissue reaction and possible toxic effects from the metal ions leaching out of the stent, and (2) loss of mechanical strength of the stent caused by corrosion. The corrosion resistance of Nitinol (Nickel-Titanium) stents and its modulation with different film thickness of polymer coating was studied against an artificial physiological solution using a Potentiostat/Galvanostat and an electrochemical corrosion cell. The corrosion rate decreased rapidly from 275 microm/year for an uncoated surface down to less than 13 microm/year for a 30 microm thick polyurethane coating. Stainless steel (316L) and Nitinol both contain potentially toxic elements, and both are subject to stress corrosion. Minimization of corrosion can significantly reduce both tissue reaction and structural degradation.