World’s First Multiple Drug-eluting Biodegradable Stent

Stents are devices that address blockages and are used in various parts of the body such as coronary arteries, the ureter and bronchial tubes.

Present day stents, including the recently announced metal-coated stents, are permanently implanted into the patient, making them a liability as they can interfere with medical diagnostic tests, such as an MRI test.  Other problems caused by permanent metal stents include proliferation of cell growth which can result in re-closure of the blood vessel, and formation of potentially fatal blood clots.

To resolve these issues, Professors Freddy Boey and Subbu Venkatraman and team developed a new generation multiple drug-eluting biodegradable stent made of polymer.   With up to 20 layers of drugs that can be released at varying rates, the stent can prevent both blockage and clotting and be tailor-made to suit individual patients. 

Applying the technology further, the Professors collaborated extensively with both local organisations and major biomedical companies for the stent to be used for coronary, cranial, urological and bronchial applications.