Effect of tantalum content of titanium oxide film fabricated by magnetron sputtering on the behavior of cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC)

Coronary stents: A materials perspective

“…Ta is also known for its good biocompatibility [31,32]. Enhanced hemocompatibility was achieved by adding Ta to Ti oxide and the films showed improved endothelialization rate as the percentage concentration of Ta increased [33,34]. Though the biocompatibility and visibility properties of Ta are superior to 316L SS, the commercial availability of Ta stents is lower than 316L SS stents.…”

“…This result can be attributed to the technique that the Ta films were actually deposited (pulsed metal vacuum arc source deposition) and processed (annealed to 700 1C) rather than the nature of the material (Ta oxide) itself. In another study, the sputter coating of a Ti-Ta target produced a surface that showed better endothelialization because of the changes in the microstructure of the natural Ti-oxide film produced [34]. To improve the corrosion resistance, Ta is coated on a 316L SS substrate by physical vapor deposition sputtering [28].…”

Surface modification of implanted cardiovascular metal stents: From antithrombosis and antirestenosis to endothelialization

“…Physical surface modifications, including the microtopography and nanotopography of the metal surface and fluid shear stress can promote endothelialization in vitro . Some researchers also have planted ECs in vitro onto surfaces that were modified, such as ultraviolet‐ozone irradiation magnetron sputtering, PIII and deposition, or immobilized VEGF . Nevertheless, in vivo tests are required, and the issues of maintaining rapid endothelialization, firm EC adhesion and upholding normal EC function still remain.…”

DES Design: Theoretical Advantages and Disadvantages of Stent Strut Materials, Design, Thickness, and Surface Characteristics

“…Biologically, this surface acts to prevent electron exchange (electrolysis), which has been implicated as a mechanism of igniting the inflammatory process after stent implantation 25 . Its primary application to date has been as a surface coating on 316L SS to decrease its corrosion and to enhance fluoroscopic visibility 26 . Coating stent surfaces with Ta has also been demonstrated to improve endothelialization 27 .…”

“…25 Its primary application to date has been as a surface coating on 316L SS to decrease its corrosion and to enhance fluoroscopic visibility. 26 Coating stent surfaces with Ta has also been demonstrated to improve endothelialization. 27 Tantalum, however, has not been widely employed as a primary alloy as it has poor mechanical properties with lowyield strength (breaking point) that is near its maximal tensile strength, significantly increasing the probability of stent fracture.…”