Biotransformable and Degradable Cardiac Stent

              We are currently examining two non-metal innovations in stent technology; one involves the use

of a fully degradable stent which slowly releases an anti-inflammatory drug to help heal the artery, and

the other is a Biotransformable stent.  This Biotransformable stent material provides a rigid structure

during the early stages of healing followed by biotransformation to a more natural, flexible material over

time.  The material forms micropores as shown in the figure below which helps incorporate the flexible

stent and allow more complete healing of the artery.

Target pentablock structure for the Biotransformable stent.  Also shown is an example morphology illustrating

the reinforcing structure of the polyester domains and pore generation after degradation.