Tissue-plasminogen activator coated catheter with hydrogel-controlled elution

Abstract

A thrombo-resistant catheter includes a hydrogel coating containing a thrombolytic agent. The thrombolytic agent may be a lyophilized tissue plasminogen activator. The catheter has an intraluminal surface and an extraluminal surface, and the hydrogel coating is disposed on the intraluminal surface and/or the extraluminal surface. The hydrogel coating may have a thickness in the range of about 50 nm to about 150 nm. The hydrogel coating may contain from about 0.1 wt. % to about 1 wt. % tissue plasminogen activator. The hydrogel coating may be made of a synthetic hydrogel or a natural hydrogel. Presently preferred synthetic hydrogels include polyacrylamide-based hydrogels. Presently preferred natural hydrogels include hyaluronic acid-based hydrogels. The hydrogel coating reacts in the presence of a physiological fluid to absorb water and elute the thrombolytic agent. The hydrogel controls elution of the thrombolytic agent. Examples of physiological fluid include interstitial fluid and blood.

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