Novel Guidewire Design and Coating for Continuous Delivery of Adenosine During Interventional Procedures

BACKGROUND: The “no‐reflow phenomenon” compromises percutaneous coronary intervention outcomes. There is an unmet need for a device that prevents no‐reflow phenomenon. Our goal was to develop a guidewire platform comprising a nondisruptive hydrophilic coating that allows continuous delivery of adenosine throughout a percutaneous coronary intervention. METHODS AND RESULTS: We developed a guidewire with spaced coils to increase surface area for drug loading. Guidewires were plasma treated to attach hydroxyl groups to metal surfaces, and a methoxy–polyethylene glycol–silanol primer layer was covalently linked to hydroxyl groups. Using polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, and polyvinyl acetate, a drug layer containing jet‐milled adenosine was hydrogen‐bonded to the polyethylene glycol–silanol layer and coated with an outer diffusive barrier layer. Coatings were processed with a freeze/thaw curing method. In vitro release studies were conducted followed by in vivo evaluation in pigs. Coating quality, performance, and stability with sterilization were also evaluated. Antiplatelet properties of the guidewire were also determined. Elution studies with adenosine‐containing guidewires showed curvilinear and complete release of adenosine over 60 minutes. Porcine studies demonstrated that upon insertion into a coronary artery, adenosine‐releasing guidewires induced immediate and robust increases (2.6‐fold) in coronary blood flow velocity, which were sustained for ≈30 minutes without systemic hemodynamic effects or arrhythmias. Adenosine‐loaded wires prevented and reversed coronary vasoconstriction induced by acetylcholine. The wires significantly inhibited platelet aggregation by >80% in vitro. Guidewires passed bench testing for lubricity, adherence, integrity, and tracking. CONCLUSIONS: Our novel drug‐releasing guidewire platform represents a unique approach to prevent/treat no‐reflow phenomenon during percutaneous coronary intervention.