Polyurethane membrane with porous surface for controlled drug release in drug eluting stent

BACKGROUND: Membrane covered drug eluting stents (DES) were prepared to prevent tumor ingrowth and to control drug release. Polyurethane (PU) is commonly used for DES coating material because of high tensile strength. The release of paclitaxel (PTX) may increase from porous PU membrane. RESULTS: Polyethylene glycol (PEG) was incorporated into PU membranes to form porous structure and control the release of hydrophobic anti-cancer drug such as PTX. The bare metal stents were coated with PEG incorporated PU and then, PEG was washed out to form porous structure. The crystallization of PTX was inhibited in porous PU membranes and the release of PTX from porous PU membranes was approximately 8.6% more extended over 19 days. CONCLUSIONS: The enhanced release of PTX from porous PU membranes may increase the patency for the DES covering materials.