Diff use interface methods for modeling drug eluting stent coatings

Published

July 17, 2015

Author(s)

James A. Warren, David Saylor, Christopher Forrey, Changsoo Kim

Abstract

An overview of diff use interface models specific to drug eluting stent coatings is presented. Microscale heterogeneities, both in the coating and use environment, dictate the performance of these coatings. Using diffuse interface methods, these heterogeneities can be explicitly incorporated into the model equations with relative ease. This enables one to predict the complex microstructures that evolve during coating fabrication and subsequent impact on drug release. Examples are provided that illustrate the wide range of phenomena that can be addressed with diff use interface models including: crystallization, constrained phase separation in block copolymer matrices, hydrolytic degradation, and heterogeneously distributed arterial wall components. Challenges associated with the lack of material property data and numerical solution of the model equations are also highlighted. Finally, in light of these potential drawbacks, the potential to utilize diffuse interface models to help guide product and process development is discussed.

Citation

Annals of Biomedical Engineering

Pub Type

Journals

Keywords

drug eluting stent, diffuse interface, phase field, thermodynamics

Citation

Warren, J. , Saylor, D. , Forrey, C. and Kim, C. (2015), Diff use interface methods for modeling drug eluting stent coatings, Annals of Biomedical Engineering (Accessed April 25, 2024)