Antithrombotic Coatings

Antithrombotic Coatings

Antithrombotic coatings include active antithrombotic and passive antithrombotics.

Active antithrombotics include Heparin, Hirudin, etc., which can be chemically bonded to or released from the coatings. Heparin inhibits the activity of prothrombin, reduces the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin, which in turn reduces platelet activation and aggregation, reduces superficial thrombus formation ultimately (Figure 2). The activity of heparin should be maintained during the bonding process; while a slow and uniform release rate is the key to success of the release type coating. Heparin is currently the only antithrombotic substance approved by the FDA for use in the United States, while hirudin is a synthetic chemical antithrombotic agent with low molecular weight and relatively stable properties. Compared with heparin, it is not only could be used in small doses, but also not cause bleeding, not is dependent on endogenous cofactors.