Determining The Right Type of Coating for Medical Device Grafting
Finding the right coating for a medical device is a critical part of the process of bringing a device to market. Experts in medical coating know how to choose the correct coat for the right device so that it complements the device’s purpose and optimizes patient comfort and outcomes.
One of the most customizable ways to apply a coating is via grafting application. Even when the coating type is already suited for a device’s needs, a manufacturer can request specified alterations that will help optimize effectiveness.
Types of Coating
A good base is the first step to choosing the correct coating for any medical device. Although grafting allows for more customization, the right coating can do much of the work.
Hydrophilic coatings enhance lubricity, making them particularly useful for any device directly contacting the body. Catheters, speculums, and other delivery mechanisms or devices that need to absorb water so that it stays put can rely on hydrophilic coatings to retain water while reducing friction.
Hydrophobic coatings repel fluids. Water slides off the coating, making them useful for devices that need to stay clean and hygienic. Surgical tools, particularly those made of metal, glass, or plastic, can benefit from this type of coating. Hydrophobic coats are also a good option for manufacturers who want to maximize customization.
Pressure Sensitive Adhesives (PSAs) can create tacky surfaces. If a device needs to hold against the skin immediately upon contact, PSAs represent one of the safest ways to connect skin or organic tissue to the medical device.
Collagen can naturally be found in most organs and connective tissue, so the body will often recognize a collagen-coated device as natural. This can reduce inflammation and help the body more effectively incorporate the device. Devices that help repair tissues often use collagen coatings.
But what if none of these coats meet the device’s needs on their own? That’s where grafting applications can make a difference.
Grafting Techniques
Grafting application is a revolutionary technique that increases a manufacturer’s customization capabilities. Grafting is so named because it involves chemically grafting the coating to the device. This makes it much less likely that a coating will crack or delaminate. In many ways, they act as a more technical version of a hydrophilic coating.
Each substrate that makes up the coating can be tuned according to a device’s needs. Every manufacturer and every device have slightly different needs, and grafting application helps coating companies adjust to that.
What tuning might a manufacturer request? Lubricity, durability, and flexibility can all be enhanced or tweaked. Some coatings can risk cracking or de-laminating, especially on very small devices. And even though they can be adapted to almost any device’s needs, grafting applications tend to be cheaper than some other methods.
Find the Right Partner
Medical device manufacturers need to find a coatings specialist who knows how to meet their specific needs. Reputable companies can tailor a coating to a device, optimizing its effectiveness by the time it hits the market. Formacoat, a Minnesota-based Contract Medical Device Coating company, can handle intricate and advanced clinical instruments. For more information, visit formacoat.com or contact Formacoat directly.
