Low Friction Hydrophilic Surface for Medical Devices

Abstract

A hydrophilic polymer surface with low friction has been devel oped. A coating can be attached by the reaction of an epoxy containing poly (vinyl pyrrolidone) with the polyamino compound formed on the surface of the substrate. The epoxy containing poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) was obtained by the copolymerization of vinyl pyrrolidone, glycidyl acrylate, and vinyl acetate. A molecular weight of 400,000 or more is essential to achieve low surface friction. Polyurethane catheters in rabbit models, both with and without the hydro philic low friction coating, were evaluated for surface friction coefficient and blood compatibility. The coated catheters produced no lesions of the intima of the blood vessels and no thrombus formation on the catheter surface, while the non-coated catheters injured the intima of the blood vessels and severe throm bus formation was found on their surfaces. © 1990, Sage Publications. All rights reserved.